Breakers back talent through 'next-man-up' approach as road stretch begins

The BNZ Breakers are adopting a resilient "next-man-up" philosophy as they manage early-season injury setbacks heading into a significant five-game road stretch. According to reports from Waatea News, the club is currently without guard Preston Le Gassick and wing Josiah-Jordan James, both of whom have yet to take the court for the NBL27 season. Le Gassick, a 22-year-old Tall Blacks candidate, is currently recovering from a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder. The Breakers view the young player as a vital component of their long-term strategy, having secured him on a 1+1 contract. Meanwhile, import Josiah-Jordan James is three weeks into a rehabilitation programme for a hamstring injury, with an assessment scheduled for the four-to-six-week mark. Breakers President of Basketball Dillon Boucher emphasized that the club's primary focus remains the health of their athletes. Boucher stated that the priority is ensuring both Le Gassick and James make safe and sustainable returns to the hardwood. The club’s medical and performance teams are closely overseeing their progress to ensure they are fully prepared for the rigours of the NBL. In the interim, the squad has shown depth by bringing Mo King into the lineup as injury cover. The team remains focused on their upcoming schedule, which includes an evening tip-off against the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, 4 October 2026. This fixture marks the beginning of a five-game away series that will test the squad's endurance before they return to Spark Arena on 30 October for a rematch against Adelaide. Despite the temporary absence of key players, the organisation remains optimistic, monitoring both the import market and the recovery of their signed talent to maintain their competitive edge throughout the season.