Basketball: Jackson, Wesley not returning

Cedric Jackson looks to drive to the hoop for the Breakers as Stephen Holt of Melbourne United...
Cedric Jackson looks to drive to the hoop for the Breakers as Stephen Holt of Melbourne United guards him. Photo: Getty Images

Cedric Jackson and Tai Wesley will not return to the New Zealand Breakers for the 2016/17 season, the team confirmed today.

Jackson has received several offers from other NBL clubs that were not matched by the Breakers, while Wesley turned down a multi-year offer to test the free agency market.

Widely acknowledged as one of the best to ever pull on a Breakers' uniform, Jackson won championships with the team in 2012, 2013 and 2015. A point guard capable of getting to the hoop and distributing the ball, he was named NBL Most Valuable Player in 2013 and Finals MVP in 2013 and 2015.

General Manager Dillon Boucher said recent changes were behind the move.

"Cedric has had a huge impact on this club and will be remembered as one of the best imports to play in the ANBL, let alone the Breakers," he said.

"His desire to win and his commitment to the club in his two stints here are without question.

"Recent changes to the league salary cap however have meant that players like Cedric are more than ever in high demand and it was made clear from his own people early in the process that there was plenty of interest in him within the NBL.

"We have maintained throughout the process that we are not in a position to get into a bidding war, and we wanted to add depth in the guard department of our roster so have therefore decided to pursue other options in regards our import guard spot and remain confident of exciting news in this regard.

"The club wishes Cedric all the best in his future, he will always be welcomed back here and I'm sure the fans will treasure the many great memories of him in action in a Breakers uniform."

Wesley, a forward from Guam, was part of the 2015 championship winning team.

"Tai has been with us for two seasons, winning a championship and appearing in a second Grand Final Series," Boucher said.

"Tai brought something different on court with his strength in the post and ability to shoot from deep and has been a great ambassador on and off court for the club, the club wishes him and his family all the best in the future as he too departs for a new challenge."

Head coach Paul Henare praised the duo, although is comfortable with the change in direction.

"I don't need to go into detail as to what Cedric brought to the club, his record speaks for itself and I think the club has played a huge part in shaping his career too," he said.

"It is to be expected that a player of his reputation will generate interest, especially when off-contract. The offers clearly reflect that and we wish Cedric all the best with the next stage in his career."

"At the same time as we pay tribute to these departing players though, I am excited about the future and a change in direction, a fresh start if you like.

"Change can be a little scary, but equally it presents new opportunities and I am more than happy with the roster we are putting together and already our conversations about a new point guard have opened up some exciting possibilities.

"Our priority has always been local players first and imports are brought in to complement that collective skill set and lead that group. Stage one is all but complete if you like with a great group of non-restricted players signed on.

"What is clear is that the Breakers reputation on and off court opens many doors around the world, all I can say is watch this space in regards putting the finishing touches to our roster for the new season."

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