Breakers sign Josiah-Jordan James for NBL27 season
The New Zealand Breakers have announced the signing of Josiah-Jordan James for the upcoming Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season. The versatile wing will join the team in Auckland after a period with Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Jerusalem, where he participated in both domestic competitions and the EuroCup.
Dillon Boucher, the Breakers’ President of Basketball Operations, stated that James is the specific type of import the team sought for NBL27. Boucher highlighted James’ physical toughness, his ability to defend multiple positions at an elite level, his shooting touch, and his experience from both European and collegiate basketball.
Player profile and collegiate career
James brings a strong basketball background and physical attributes to the Breakers. He was a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American during his high school career. Following this, he played for five years at the University of Tennessee under head coach Rick Barnes.
During his time at Tennessee, James achieved notable statistics, becoming one of only two players in the program’s history to accumulate over 1,250 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 steals, and 100 blocks. He was recognised as a strong perimeter defender and a high-IQ playmaker during his collegiate career.
After his college career, James made his professional debut in the NBA G League with the Indiana Mad Ants before moving to Hapoel Jerusalem. His combination of multi-positional defence, rebounding ability, and perimeter shooting is seen as a good fit for new head coach Gordon Herbert’s system, which is described as high-intensity.
Team outlook and roster additions
Breakers Owner and Chairman Marc Mitchell commented on the signing, stating that under coach Herbert, the club aims for relentless competitors who contribute to winning across all statistical categories. Mitchell noted James’ basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and motor, expressing confidence that Breaker Nation will appreciate his versatility and grit at Spark Arena.
James, who stands at 198 centimetres (6’6″), joins an existing roster that includes Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Dejan Vasiljevic, Izayah Le’afa, Preston Le Gassick, Kouat Noi, Sam Mennenga, Carlin Davison, Reuben Te Rangi, and Anzac Rissetto. The Breakers currently have one import spot remaining to fill for the upcoming season.
The addition of James is part of the team’s strategy to build a competitive squad for the NBL27 Season, focusing on players who align with the coaching philosophy of Gordon Herbert. The club is looking for players who can make a significant impact on the court through both their skills and their competitive drive.
The Breakers’ management has emphasised securing players with both high-level experience and a strong work ethic. James’ background in both collegiate and European professional basketball is considered a key asset for the team as they prepare for the new season.
The club’s focus on securing players with a “high IQ” and versatile defensive capabilities indicates a strategic approach to team building. James’ ability to defend multiple positions aligns with the modern demands of basketball, where players are often required to guard various opponents.
His offensive skills, including his shooting touch, are also expected to contribute to the team’s performance. The Breakers’ roster is taking shape with the aim of creating a balanced and competitive unit for the upcoming NBL27 Season.
Source: nbl.com.au
Charlotte Reid 