The BNZ Breakers have strengthened their coaching ranks ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season, appointing Canterbury Rams Head Coach Quinn Clinton as an Assistant Coach on a one-year deal.
Clinton joins the Breakers’ coaching staff alongside newly appointed Head Coach Gordon Herbert and returning assistant Matt Lacey, as the club continues to build a high-calibre leadership group aimed at returning the Australian NBL championship to New Zealand.
The appointment marks another milestone in Clinton’s rapid rise through the coaching ranks. Widely regarded as one of New Zealand basketball’s brightest young tactical minds, he was elevated to Head Coach of the Canterbury Rams in late 2024, taking over from former Rams coach and current Tall Blacks Head Coach Judd Flavell.
Since stepping into the role, Clinton has guided the Rams through consecutive Sal’s NZNBL campaigns, continuing the Canterbury franchise’s reputation as one of the country’s premier basketball programmes.
Before moving into coaching, Clinton enjoyed an impressive playing career. He was the leading scorer for the Junior Tall Blacks at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 World Cup and was named New Zealand’s Male Junior Player of the Year.
That same year, Clinton joined the BNZ Breakers as a Development Player during the 2017-18 NBL season, training and travelling with the professional squad before securing an NCAA Division I scholarship to Saint Mary’s College of California.
Following his return to New Zealand, Clinton played a key role in helping the Canterbury Rams secure the 2023 Sal’s NZNBL championship before transitioning directly into coaching. He served as an assistant coach during the Rams’ successful 2024 title defence before taking over the head coaching role.
Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher said Clinton’s basketball intelligence, work ethic and leadership qualities made him an ideal addition to the club’s coaching staff.
The coaching group will also feature Matt Lacey, who was recently named Basketball New Zealand’s 2025 Male Coach of the Year after leading the Junior Tall Blacks to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup — New Zealand’s best-ever result at the tournament.
Breakers owner and chair Marc Mitchell said the club remained committed to investing in New Zealand talent both on and off the court. He said combining Clinton’s deep understanding of the domestic game with Herbert’s international experience would strengthen the team’s leadership group ahead of the new season.
The appointment continues the Breakers’ focus on blending local expertise with world-class experience as preparations ramp up for the 2027 NBL campaign.
