# New Zealand Breakers NBL preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-breakers-nbl-preparations
> Updated: 2026-08-11T00:59:38.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The New Zealand Breakers have undergone organizational and roster changes in preparation for the upcoming NBL season.

Initially, the club focused on coaching and roster construction, hiring former NBA assistant Gordie Herbert as head coach. Operations President Dillon Boucher identified a need for two defensive-focused import players, specifically a rim-protecting forward and a versatile combo forward. The team also secured local player Anzac Rissetto to bolster its physicality.

Following these personnel moves, the club launched a new brand identity inspired by the ‘moana’, featuring a color palette of black sand, cloud white, and blue. As pre-season training commenced, head coach Herbert began assembling a squad that includes Kouat Noi, Dejan Vasiljevic, and Charles Bediako. The Breakers are scheduled to begin their season against Illawarra on September 20 at Spark Arena.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: New Zealand Breakers unveil new brand identity and begin pre-season

The New Zealand Breakers have unveiled a new moana-inspired brand identity and commenced pre-season training under head coach Gordon Herbert ahead of the NBL season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-breakers-unveil-new-brand-identity-and-begin-pre-season

### 2026-07-12: New Zealand Breakers focus on defense while finalizing roster for NBL27

The New Zealand Breakers, led by new coach Gordie Herbert, have signed Kiwi big man Anzac Rissetto and are seeking two defensive imports to complete their NBL27 roster.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-breakers-focus-on-defense-while-finalizing-roster-for-nbl27

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Cite as: New Zealand Breakers NBL preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-breakers-nbl-preparations