Basketball forward Jordan Ngatai from Ngāti Toa is relishing his first season as a Breakers development player, training with the full contract players and getting a taste of ANBL basketball.
Ngatai says, “It's a lifetime opportunity really, coming to an organisation like this, top of the line."
His basketball skills have definitely not gone unnoticed. “He can run and jump with the best of them. I think skill-wise he's got a very good outside shot that you have to respect," says Assistant Coach Paul Henare.
At 21, Jordan has been a Junior Tall Black and more recently a Tall Black. He played for the Wellington Saints in the New Zealand NBL and being a part of the Breakers environment has allowed him to continue his development.
Ngatai says, "Mika, he has had a big part, he's the biggest leader in this team. Ced, he brings out the competitive fight in anyone. It doesn't matter what you’re playing, he still wants to compete. Everyone seems to bring out something in myself."
"He's been someone that has been on the radar for quite some time now and it's been great for his personal development to immerse himself in to the Breakers culture,” says Henare.
It's been four months since Jordan moved up to Auckland to join the Breakers and earlier on in the season he also got some court time, an experience he will never forgot.
"When I got on there I was thinking, is this really happening? But you've just got to treat it like any other game. You’re there to get the win and go out there and play hard," says Ngatai.
If all goes well, he will gain another contract with the Breakers.