All Black Spencer: "Getting Celebs and Breakers Together is Tremendous"

The ball skills of All Blacks wizard Carlos Spencer have already caught the eye of Sky Sport Breakers head coach Dan Shamir, ahead of the Manuka Doctor Celeb Slam at Spark Arena on November 26.

While politician David Seymour gains a lot of media attention, Spencer’s smooth jump shot outside the arc has raised Shamir’s eyebrows.

However, 44-test Spencer, whose spent his life playing in front of huge crowds, admits he was nervous at the Breakers facility in front of the TV cameras.

“There was a bit of nerves early on”, he said.  

“Just trying to shoot a few hoops with these guys watching so there will be a few butterflies floating around on the 26th when we actually play.”

Spencer admits he shot quite a few hoops with his son on the driveway during lockdown, so he has a little bit of experience going into the event, which raises funds for Starship Hospital.

But it is still an adjustment for him playing with a round ball.

“I’ve probably got a better chance of getting a rugby ball in, to be honest, but we will see what happens.”

The former first-five eighth is a proud New Zealander and says it did not take much convincing for him to get involved.

“I just think in terms of getting everyone out there in terms of what the country has been through, getting celebs and New Zealand Breakers together and agreeing to play the game of basketball is tremendous.

“It’s going to be a great occasion and a great night.”
 
“Obviously, it’s for a great cause and raising money for charity, and I’m always up for a challenge and new challenges, and this is definitely going to be one.”

With draft day next Tuesday, it remains to be seen whether he will be playing alongside World Cup-winning All Black Liam Messam.

So can Messam play?

“He reckons he can actually, he’s been dropping lines on Facebook and Instagram about how good he is, so we will have to wait and see.”

And as for David Seymour?

“A tremendous asset on any team, so hopefully he’s on my team.”

Limited tickets available – book now:
https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/search?q=celeb+slam