BNZ Breakers Appoint Josiah Maama as Assistant Coach

Fresh off an assistant coaching stint with the San Antonio Spurs at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, rising Kiwi coach Josiah Maama has officially joined the BNZ Breakers as an Assistant Coach for the NBL27 campaign.

Maama’s appointment brings a potent blend of NBA Summer League exposure, historic international success, a lifelong passion for the Breakers, and deep Auckland roots to Head Coach Gordon Herbert’s staff at the BNZ Breakers.

A proud Glen Innes resident of Tongan heritage, Maama was part of the coaching team with the Junior Tall Blacks who orchestrated a historic fourth-place finish at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. Working with fellow assistant BNZ Breakers coach Matt Lacey, this was the highest World Cup placement ever achieved by a New Zealand basketball team at any junior level.

Working inside the San Antonio Spurs' system during the California Classic and Vegas Summer League has added modern NBA player-development mechanics and high-level scouting experience to his already extensive skill set.

Maama’s rapid ascent through the coaching ranks is anchored by a proven track record of player development across Auckland. In addition to co-founding East Auckland’s GI Rise Basketball grassroots initiative, he led Dilworth School to its first Auckland Premiership title in 2025 and served as an Assistant Coach for the Auckland Tuatara in the NZNBL. 

"Josiah is widely recognized as one of the sharpest young basketball minds in Australasia," says Dillon Boucher, BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Operations.

"Adding Josiah to our coaching staff under Gordon Herbert is a huge coup for our club and for his own development as a Kiwi coach."

Incoming Head Coach Gordon Herbert is delighted with the appointment.

"We have assembled a team of great Kiwi coaches which will help me connect with the local basketball culture," says Herbert.

"Josiah has recent experience inside an elite NBA organisation at the San Antonio Spurs and has shown great basketball acumen which will help us get the best from the roster."

Maama has a passion for development and deep connections within the local Auckland community. 

“I've been a lifelong fan of the club - so it means a lot to represent the BNZ Breakers. I used to watch games on TV and dream of being involved. Coaching is a vocation for me, and to be able to serve and be part of the legacy of this organization is special to me, my family and Glen Innes.”

Maama is excited with the direction the club is taking under the guidance of Chairman and majority owner Marc Mitchell.

“As someone who has worked in basketball from the ground up, I have seen how vital it is to have pathways for aspiring athletes/coaches/staff to become the best versions of themselves and for the club’s future success.

“The BNZ Breakers has a rich history in this through their academy, and I am excited to help coach, mentor and grow the next Reuben Te Rangi, Tom Abercrombie, or Sam Mennenga. It's also important for the club to give back to the grass roots and pay homage to the community who make this club what it is today.”

With a coaching staff featuring world-class international leadership, NBA exposure, and top domestic talent developers, Maama’s arrival completes an elite coaching unit on the sidelines as the BNZ Breakers prepare for the NBL27 season.

Maama will assemble with the players for a start to their pre-season in the coming days, with the first full day on court next Tuesday (August 11) as the club prepares for NBL27 and the season opening Blitz tournament in Bendigo from September 2^nd.

BNZ Breakers Roster
Parker Jackson Cartwright (import)
Reuben Te Rangi
Sam Mennenga
Dejan Vasiljevic
Kouat Noi
Carlin Davison
Izayah Le’afa
Preston Le Gassick
Anzac Rissetto
Josiah-Jordan James (import)
one to be added)

Head Coach
Gordon Herbert

Assistant Coaches
Sebastian Gleim
Matt Lacey
Quinn Clinton
Josiah Maama

First home game
September 20
Spark Arena
5pm Tip off, Doors Open 4pm
v Illawarra Hawks

Tickets and season memberships available at Here