BeeGee
Years ago
Webster, Trist, Galloway Sign with Breakers
The Sky Sport New Zealand Breakers have kicked off NBL Free Agency with a bang, locking in Tall Blacks star Tai Webster on a one-year deal.
In addition to Webster, the Breakers have also added Dan Trist on a one-year deal and young Australian prospect Kyrin Galloway on a three-year deal with the first as a Development Player.
Webster represents a signing coup for the Breakers, joining brother Corey Webster in a star-studded back court.
Head Coach Dan Shamir said that the signing of Webster turns the Breakers into a contender in NBL21.
"I know for sure that every good team in the NBL tried to get Tai Webster during the last few years," said Shamir.
“To be able to add him is a huge step for us to be a contender this year.”
Tai joins the Breakers from Galatasaray in Turkey where he averaged 10.6 points and 4.1 assists per game in EuroCup play last season.
He was also a member of the New Zealand Tall Blacks 2019 FIBA World Cup team where he averaged 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per contest.
Webster, who has been working out at the Breakers training facility during the off-season is excited to return to the Club after previously being a Development Player with the team back in 2013.
“It was awfully kind of the coaches even to let me come in every day and work out with them, so I was just grateful for that opportunity. That was something they didn't have to do.
“There is a vast difference in the Breakers since I was last here, it’s been a long time I’ve been really involved in the club like this, and you can definitely see it’s come a long way.
“It’s tough to come into an environment like this with guys I’ve played alongside before and grew up playing with for a long time and see them working towards something and not wanting to be part of it.
After locking in Webster, Breakers Owner Matt Walsh indicated the Club would now prioritise the re-signing of Scotty Hopson as well as another big man.
“It’s massive because signing a local at the point guard position who is a top import level, allows us to now go out and focus on getting Scotty Hopson back,” he says.
“With all other teams likely to be importing their Point Guards, we’ve secured the best Kiwi Point Guard in the world whose international class is undeniable.
“With just two imports allowed this season due to COVID, we will focus on getting Scotty's signature and a seven-foot centre.”
Dan Trist joins the Breakers from the South East Melbourne where he suited up in 21 games with a season-high of 16 points against the Taipans in January.
Kyrin Galloway is an inriguing prospect for the Breakers, coming straight out of College where he suited up for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Galloway pulled on the green and gold in 2019 as a member of Australia's World University Games team. He joins the Breakers as a Development Player in NBL21 before moving into a contracted spot for the final two years of his contract.
The Breakers lineup now includes Tai Webster, Corey Webster, Rob Loe, Tom Abercrombie, Finn Delany, Jarrad Weeks, Dan Trist, Kyrin Galloway (DP) and Terry Li (DP).
