The BNZ Breakers have strengthened their frontcourt ahead of the 2027 Australian National Basketball League season, signing experienced New Zealand forward-centre Anzac Rissetto as the club continues building a strong Kiwi core for its championship campaign.
Standing at 208 centimetres, Rissetto brings size, physicality and valuable Australian NBL experience to the Breakers after previously spending two seasons with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
His arrival completes the Breakers’ local playing roster, with the club now turning its attention to filling its remaining two import positions before the new season tips off.
Rissetto returns to Auckland following a strong New Zealand National Basketball League campaign with the Tauranga Whai, where he further developed his reputation as a hardworking interior presence capable of anchoring the paint at both ends of the floor.
His signing provides the Breakers with additional rebounding strength, defensive resilience and frontcourt depth as they prepare for another highly competitive NBL season.
Although his minutes with the South East Melbourne Phoenix were often limited, Rissetto became one of the league’s most recognisable personalities.
His energetic celebrations from the bench, relentless work ethic and team-first attitude earned him “cult hero” status among Phoenix supporters and widespread respect throughout the Australian NBL.
Coaches and teammates have consistently praised his willingness to embrace whatever role is required for the team’s success, qualities the Breakers believe will further strengthen the club’s culture.
Before beginning his professional career, Rissetto spent two seasons playing NCAA Division I basketball at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the United States, gaining valuable experience against some of the country’s top collegiate talent.
He later continued his development in Germany, helping Phoenix Hagen secure the ProA Championship, adding European professional success to an already diverse basketball résumé.
Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher said signing an experienced New Zealand big man remained an important part of the club’s long-term strategy.
He described Rissetto as a player who understands the demands of professional basketball and consistently embraces the physical aspects of the game.
Boucher said Rissetto’s willingness to perform the less glamorous work—including defending, rebounding and creating opportunities for teammates—made him an ideal fit for a squad aiming to compete for another championship.
For Rissetto, joining the Breakers represents the opportunity to play professionally in front of family and friends while representing New Zealand’s only Australian NBL franchise.
He said wearing the Breakers jersey in Auckland had long been a personal ambition and expressed excitement about contributing to what he believes is shaping into an exciting roster for the 2027 season.
The Breakers have continued placing emphasis on developing and retaining New Zealand talent while complementing their roster with high-quality international imports.
That approach has helped establish the club as an important pathway for Kiwi players seeking to compete at the highest professional level in Australasia.
As preparations continue for NBL27, supporters will now wait to see which international players complete the Breakers’ squad.
With the local roster now finalised and experienced players such as Anzac Rissetto joining the fold, the club believes it has laid another important building block in its pursuit of returning to championship contention.
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