Breakers Further Strengthen Centre Stocks

Just days after announcing the signing of Mangok Mathiang, the New Zealand Breakers have further strengthened their big man stocks with the signing of former South East Melbourne centre Dane Pineau.

Pineau started his NBL career at the Kings following five years at Saint Mary’s, but a shift to South East Melbourne saw him establish himself as one of the premier rebounders in the competition.

In his first season with the Phoenix – which doubled as the club’s debut season in the NBL – he shot a competition-leading 66.4 per cent from the field and ended the campaign as runner-up in the race for Most Improved Player.

He averaged 2.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in NBL23.

“Dane has great pick-and-roll attributes, making him an extremely natural fit into our environment and style of play,” head coach Mody Maor said.

“Dane is one of the hardest playing players in the NBL, and he has done so consistently over the past few seasons regardless of his role in a team.

“I believe moving to Auckland will be a seamless fit for Dane.”

Pineau will link up with former Phoenix teammates Cam Gliddon and Izayah Le’Afa at the Breakers.

The trio will suit up alongside Tom Abercrombie, Will McDowell-White, Dan Fotu, Tom Vodanovich, Mangok Mathiang and Mantas Rubstavicius.