BNZ Breakers' Darling Elevated to Full Roster for NBL25

Kiwi Max Darling's hard work as a BNZ Breakers' development player last season has been rewarded with elevation to the full roster for NBL25.

The 23-year-old has signed a two-year contract with a third-year team option.

Darling returns to Auckland fresh after clinching back-to-back championships with the Canterbury Rams in the NZ NBL and takes the final 'local' spot in the roster.

"It's an amazing feeling to be elevated to a full roster spot," says Darling.

"Reaching this position has been my number one goal, and I'm looking forward to getting started with 'Coach Kop' and our team this season."

The Small Forward saw court time once for the BNZ Breakers last season but has the experience of 14 previous NBL appearances for the Illawarra Hawks under legendary Australian Coach Brian Goorjian.

Still only 23 years old, Darling has also previously played in Croatia and Romania and represented New Zealand at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

"Max's work ethic and determination were key reasons we have elevated him to the full roster," says Head Coach Petteri Koponen.

"The BNZ Breakers will always be a primary pathway for the best Kiwi players to secure full-time professional contracts."

In total, Darling has played six seasons with the Canterbury Rams and averaged 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 15 games this season, including nine points in the grand final against the Auckland Tuatara. 

The signing of Darling means the BNZ Breakers' roster is almost complete.

It is spearheaded by the returning All NBL First Team star Parker Jackson-Cartwright, 2023 LA Lakers draft pick and Kiwi-born Mojave King, talented young Kiwi Sam Mennenga, 2021 NBL Champion Mitch McCarron, former Philadelphia 76er Jonah Bolden, returning big man Dane Pineau, Guard Sean Bairstow, Power Forward Grant Anticevich and former Toronto Raptor Freddie Gillespie.

One import spot is still to be filled and Koponen can still sign an NBL Next Star who sits outside the roster if he desires.

The team assembles on August 12 in Auckland, with the BNZ Breakers' NBL25 season tipping off on September 21 against the Bullets at Hoopsfest in Perth.

The first home game is on September 29 against South East Melbourne Phoenix at Spark Arena.