More Changes At The Breakers: In Comes Braswell, Out Goes Vukona
Okay do you want the good news first or the bad news? Let’s go good: The Breakers have unveiled their new head coach and it isn’t an overpaid and under-motivated American college coach with a shady personal history… it’s Kevin Braswell. The man who masterminded the Wellington Saints’ unbeaten championship season in the last NZ NBL. The bad news? Yeah, so Mika Vukona’s probably leaving the Breaks to link up with Andrej Lemanis over in Brisbane.
Word is that the Breakers offered him reduced terms to return for his 18th NBL season and he decided, nah bugger it, he’d go somewhere else. It didn’t help that he was going to have his minutes shrunk as well, probably no longer going to start for the team. In Brisbane he’s got a Tall Blacks and former Breakers teammate in Reuben Te Rangi and also former Breakers GM Richard Clarke to go with the Lemanis influence and the Bullets are looking to shake things up after coming in last on the ladder in both seasons since they were reinstated into the league, with a combined record of 19-37. They just signed Aussie international Cam Gliddon as well.
That’s the why of it all from his point of view. But his leaving so soon after a fellow stalwart in Paul Henare also walked away from the club does put pressure on the new ownership to prove that they’re serious about the history of the Breakers. Worries that have been simmering ever since they took over, to be honest. Thankfully the Kevin Braswell thing eases a lot of those fears as they’ve hired the best local candidate, a guy who used to play for the team and who has existing relationships with most of the players. He’s connected to the fans and the culture of the club and he’s worked his way up to this point with the Wellington Saints.
Sure, the Saints also had the best roster out there… but Braswell’s ability to bring them all together and turn expectations into success shouldn’t be ignored. Part of the interview process was selling team management on his vision for the team, on new signings and all that. He’s earned this gig and it’s super refreshing that they went for another locally-based option. Funnily enough it’s exactly what the Wellington Phoenix need to be doing but they’re too busy trying to operate with an FFA-wielded gun to their heads.
Kevin Braswell: “This is an unbelievable opportunity, I honestly am at a loss for words in a way. It wasn’t my plan to be head coach of the SKYCITY Breakers. But the opportunity opened up out of the blue and suddenly it got exciting. I started talking with Dillon and Matt and we spoke about where the new owners are wanting to take the club and things they have planned, it sounded great and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. In coaching you always want to keep moving, keep progressing, for me this is the next step, there is nothing more I can accomplish in the New Zealand league, it is time to take my ability to a higher level.”
Braswell should bring some stability to this team and they need that at the moment. He’s already making waves with his Saints mate Tai Wesley, who is almost certainly leaving Melbourne United and his old home at the Breakers seems pretty enticing about now, what with the starting power forward role just opening up.
About that… here are the straight facts with Mika Vukona. It’s an emotionally charged situation given his legacy at the team but his leaving also makes a lot of sense from both sides. It ain’t the sentimental route but, yeah, let’s do this by the facts.
FACT – Mika Vukona won four championships with the Breakers and has anchored this team as a captain since way back. He owes nothing to the Breakers because he’s already given them everything.
FACT – Mika Vukona, realistically, can’t be a starter at PF any longer. It was the right call to want to move him to the bench. He’ll be 36 by the time the next season starts and he doesn’t have a lot of range to his shooting. He’s an inside scorer who averaged 6.2 points per game last season, but only made 42% of his free throws despite his style of play meaning he’s going to attack the rim and get fouled plenty. He’s basically just a defensive presence these days on 36 year old legs.
FACT – Mika Vukona brings plenty more to a team than just his contributions on the court. He’s a leader and an inspiring teammate who makes those around him better. He has heaps of value and the Breakers will not have made this decision easily.
FACT – They probably didn’t make this decision at all. His declining role necessitates a declining contract but Mika is entitled to keep cashing them cheques if he can get them. The Bullets offered him something and if it’s a better role and better money than what he was getting then fair enough.
FACT – None of this diminishes the legacy that Vukona leaves behind and there’s a 99.9% chance that his jersey is hanging in the rafters one day.
In the meantime he’s got a gig with the Nelson Giants to worry about because, oh look, the kiwi NBL tips off in a little over a week. As for Kevin Braswell, he’s got some players to sign. The Breakers currently have four players on their books to return: Shea Ili, Tom Abercrombie, Alex Pledger and Finn Delany. It’s expected (/hoped) that Judd Flavell and Mike Fitchett will return as assistant coaches. Gotta have some yarns with Tai Wesley as a very fascinating NBL free agency ramps up. Lots to take care of. And Rick Pitino and LeBron James will have nothing to do with any of it.
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