The NZ Breakers have confirmed the signing of American big man Shawn Long on a one-year deal.
The 2.05m (6ft 9in) 25-year-old from Louisiana has spent his past two seasons with the NBA G-League's Delaware 87ers, where he averaged an impressive 20 points and 11 rebounds per game, and was named to both the All-Star squad and the All G-League Second Team.
He also played a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers - the NBA affiliate of the 87ers - in the 2016/17 season, and averaged of eight points and five rebounds through seven games.
Long joins the side on late notice as a replacement for the outgoing Jerelle Benimon, who was released by the Breakers due to personal reasons, before he had a chance to join the squad in Auckland.
His ability to score and run the floor should see him slot seamlessly into the fast-paced style to be implemented by new coach Kevin Braswell.
A stand-out with Louisiana University in the US collegiate system, he knows his way to the basket, posting a mammoth 45-point game last season for the 87ers, and is capable of stretching defences with a handy long-range jumpshot.
"I had a number of options on the table," said Long. "But after speaking to the Breakers, I felt as though they’d provide the best situation for me to improve all-around as a player and most importantly, a chance to win a championship and be a part of a club with a winning culture.
"It's an honour and I'm extremely thankful for this opportunity. I look forward to making the best of it and filling whatever role the team needs."
He'll join the Breakers this week, with their first pre-season game against the NBA's Phoenix Suns in Arizona looming next month.
Newshub.
