The BNZ Breakers have received a massive boost ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Cairns Taipans, with superstar point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright making an earlier-than-expected return from injury as Māori basketball veteran Reuben Te Rangi prepares to celebrate his 400th NBL appearance.
The Breakers head to Cairns looking to improve their 4–4 record and strengthen their position inside the NBL’s top four, with the return of Jackson-Cartwright providing much-needed firepower.
The American import has been sidelined with a lower-leg injury but is set to suit up for Sunday’s clash, although his playing time is likely to be restricted as he works his way back to full fitness.
Before his injury, Jackson-Cartwright was producing MVP-calibre numbers, leading the competition with an extraordinary 26.6 points per game, ranking second in assists with 9.4 per game, and shooting a career-best 42 percent from three-point range.
His return creates an exciting backcourt combination with rising Kiwi star Carlin Davison, who has stepped up brilliantly in his absence.
Davison has delivered a league-leading 36 assists across his last three games running the point, demonstrating the depth and talent emerging within the Breakers squad.
A Māori Basketball Milestone: Reuben Te Rangi Reaches 400 Games
While Jackson-Cartwright’s return will attract plenty of attention, Sunday also marks a significant achievement for Breakers co-captain Reuben Te Rangi, who will play his 400th NBL game.
The 32-year-old, who grew up in Manurewa, has spent 15 years building a remarkable professional basketball career and remains one of the Breakers’ most respected senior players.
His teammates have even given him the affectionate nickname Koro, a playful acknowledgement of his experience and leadership within the squad.
For Te Rangi, reaching 400 games is about much more than an individual achievement.
The milestone represents years of commitment and the support of his partner, children, parents, teammates, coaches and the wider basketball community.
The veteran forward is expected to celebrate the occasion further when the Breakers return to Spark Arena on October 30, where family and friends will have the opportunity to acknowledge his achievement.
Herbert Sidelined as Gleim Takes Charge
The Breakers will also have a temporary change on the sideline, with assistant coach Sebastian Gleim taking charge while head coach Gordie Herbert recovers from illness.
Herbert had hoped to travel to Cairns but was advised to remain home and recover. He is improving and will remain in contact with the coaching staff throughout the weekend.
Gleim says the team’s focus remains on improving its own performances and building on the momentum established earlier in the season.
The Breakers will take confidence from their previous meeting with Cairns, having defeated the Taipans 98–75 at Spark Arena on September 30.
However, Sunday’s encounter will be another demanding road assignment, with the New Zealand side already preparing for its seventh away game of the season.
Breakers Eye Top-Four Momentum
Currently sitting fourth on the NBL ladder with four wins and four losses, the Breakers will be targeting an important victory before returning to Auckland for their October 30 clash with the Adelaide 36ers.
With Jackson-Cartwright returning, Davison finding his feet as a playmaker and Te Rangi reaching a significant career milestone, the Breakers have plenty of motivation to deliver another strong performance.
The BNZ Breakers face the Cairns Taipans on Sunday, October 25, with tip-off at 5pm New Zealand time.
BNZ Breakers Squad vs Cairns Taipans
Carlin Davison, Izayah Le’afa, Sam Mennenga, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Reuben Te Rangi, Charles Bediako, Mojave King, Nelson Weidemann, Kouat Noi, Anzac Rissetto and Dejan Vasiljevic.
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