American point guard Ben Woodside has signed a deal to play for the New Zealand Breakers for the 2016-2017 season. Woodside is a 5'11" Point Guard who has previously played for teams in France, Georgia, Slovenia, Turkey and Spain.
Woodside has come to the club off strong recommendation by Kirk Penny as both played together in Turkey and Spain.
New Breakers head coach Paul Henare was delighted to bring a quality point guard to the club, who brings experience from various leagues around the world.
"When we set about recruiting a new point guard, one of the key aspects that was non-negotiable was experience," said Henare.
"We need a player to lead us around the floor and make the right decisions in pressure cooker situations. The reputation of the club and the fact we had a willing ally in Kirk certainly helped, Ben is attracted to who we are and what we stand for as much as we were interested in him."
Ben Woodside, who turns 31 on Friday, is excited to team up once again with Kirk Penny and also live in New Zealand.
"I've always wanted to experience the Australian New Zealand side of the world and the Australian League is something I've wanted to pursue and experience," said Woodside.
"The conversation started with my ex-teammate Kirk Penney. I'm absolutely thrilled and excited to team up with KP again. He is a great friend of to me and my family. We've always stayed in touch and throughout my career I have loved playing with him. He's an incredible player but an even better person and someone I've always had full respect for.
"Since I've started conversations with the club, it's been a delight getting to know the club, their amazing morals, and what they value in players. This club has a historic tradition and I think I''l be a great fit for this organization."
The Breakers now have nine players on their roster for next season. The roster includes : Corey Webster, Thomas Abercrombie, Mika Vukona, Robert Loe, Alex Pledger, Kirk Penny, Shea Ili, Finn Delany and Ben Woodside. The Breakers still have one more import spot to fill on their roster.
Newshub.
