Breakers bring local big home

Monday, March 18, 2024

Sam Mennenga will represent the New Zealand Breakers after the club bought out the second year of his contract.

The Breakers have added one of the rising stars of New Zealand basketball to their NBL25 roster with the signing of Sam Mennenga to a two-year deal.

Mennenga played his maiden professional campaign with the Cairns Taipans in NBL24 following a successful collegiate career with Davidson College.

The 22-year-old initially signed a two-year deal with the Taipans ahead of NBL24, but New Zealand has bought out the second year of the contract in order to bring him back to his hometown club.

“Sam is a very typical modern big who can also play at center,” head coach Mody Maor said.

“He can play inside and out, he’s a good shooter, he’s also a very physical post player. He can put the ball on the floor and can also spot up and make decisions.

“The number one characteristic which stands out is the level of commitment he has to his craft. He loves the game, and his work ethic is off the charts.”

Mennenga is currently playing for Greek side AS Karditsas in Greece over the NBL off-season after he exercised his European out clause following an initial commitment to NZNBL side Whai.