American giant Colton Iverson has been announced as the NZ Breakers' latest off-shore signing for the 2020/21 Australian NBL season.
The 31-year-old seven-footer (2.13m) fills the second and final import slot on the Breakers roster, after last month's marquee acquisition of two-time NBL All Star Lamar Patterson from Brisbane Bullets.
A second-round pick for Indiana Pacers in the 2013 NBA Draft, Iverson joins the Breakers from Russian powerhouse Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Iverson brings a wealth of European experience to the Australian NBL, after playing in Spain, Turkey, Israel and Russia.
Last season, the South Dakota native averaged 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 37 EuroLeague games, but head coach Dan Shamir says what he does off the ball makes him so valuable for the Breakers.
"The offensive screens that he sets, the separation he gets for these guys and his ability to respond to every type of defence is going to make a significant difference on the court," says Shamir.
"Colton's a system guy. He's not a one-on-one player, he's not a guy who gets on any team and automatically drops 20 points, and that's not what we are looking for.
"We are looking for a piece that can make our systems work. Colton can pass, and has the body and the skill to have a presence in the paint at both ends of the floor.
"I think he will be a great player for us."
Iverson should also provide some much-needed rim protection for the Breakers and compliment the more perimeter-oriented offensive skills of fellow big Rob Loe.
On Monday, the league confirmed its start date will be delayed from its usual October start until mid-January.
Breakers owner Matt Walsh says that delay has ultimately worked in their favour, allowing them to take a more patient approach to recruitment.
"Last season, Dan came to New Zealand in July and we rushed with our entire pre-season," says Walsh.
"Dan, [assistant coaches] Mody Maor and Chanel [Pompalllier] have had valuable time to go out and build a roster that fits their system and style of coaching, putting together players they believe can compete for a championship."
The Breakers now have just one regular roster spot to fill, as well as the 'Next Star' slot vacated by 2020 NBA draft prospect RJ Hampton.
Walsh says they're still hunting for Hampton's successor, while the other spot seems likely to be taken by an NZ NBL standout.
League MVP Tom Vodanovich, and runners-up Jordan Ngatai and Derone Raukawa are among the leading candidates.
"We were able to scout a lot of guys in the New Zealand NBL and there’s a lot of exciting talent out there," Walsh adds. "Right now, we’re still evaluating a lot of our options.
"One of the great things is that we’ve been able to build such a strong roster that we can be selective with who we choose."
