The Breakers have re-signed Tall Black big man Rob Loe for the 2017-18 Australian National Basketball Season.
Breakers big man Rob Loe. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 6'11" Loe was a standout performer for the Breakers during his homecoming last season and joins Alex Pledger, Mika Vukona, Tom Abercrombie, Kirk Penney, Shea Ili, and Finn Delany in returning to the club.
Despite being a free agent during the off-season, Loe said he was always intended on coming back to the Breakers.
"It is every players goal to win a championship and the Breakers have a proud history of that and this is something I want to continue doing, that is a huge motivation for me in coming back for another season", said Loe.
It's good news for coach Paul Henare after only just last week losing star shooting Corey Webster.
Webster and the club agreed to part ways after a tumultuous season involving off-field issues including his alleged involvement in a brawl at a Takapuna bar last year.
Paul Henare Photo: Photosport
Henare said having Loe back in the Breakers singlet has given his team some stability going forward.
"He was a guy that in the end of season review was a big priority, and that came from his team mates and the coaching staff, so to be able to lock him in for next season is great news.
"Rob is what I would call a 'glue guy', he is a high IQ basketball player, offensively and defensively he is sound and knows our systems inside out. He is a good communicator and one of those guys that does a lot of things are unnoticed outside our environment, but not by us, we know his value on and off court, he is great to have in the locker room as well."
At 25 years old, Loe already has two years' experience in Europe following on from his College career in the USA, but he has no doubt that the quality of the NBL is on the improve and already shapes up well against other leagues around the world.
"I think the Australian NBL gets a bad rap from some in Europe, some don't rate it so much but they are starting to take notice now for sure, they are saying how good the players are coming out of the league and also how close and competitive the league is. I was pleased with the quality of the competition and that is important for me at this stage in my career, to continue to be challenged and continue to learn and grow as a player."
-RNZ
