BNZ Breakers Farewell Mody Maor

The Coach who has led the on-court rebuild of the BNZ Breakers post-COVID is leaving Auckland for Asia.

In two seasons as Head Coach, Mody Maor guided the Breakers to the playoffs twice.

He came within seven minutes of leading the team to the overall title last year before the Breakers fell short 77-69 to the Sydney Kings in the record-breaking Championship Series that stretched to five games.

Previously, he had arrived at the Breakers in 2019 and was assistant to Dan Shamir for three years, including the two seasons when the borders were closed and the team relocated to Australia. 

Chief Executive Lisa Edser says Maor leaves with their blessing and will forever be part of the Breakers’ family because of his enormous contribution to the club.

“Mody’s international reputation is at an all-time high after what he has done at the Breakers, and he is now one of the most highly sought coaches in the world,” said Edser.

“We have always been a family first club, and Mody is forever part of the Breakers family, but we understand the reality of his putting his wife and two little children first with this opportunity.”

Edser says the players, including star import Parker Jackson-Cartwright, have been told and support Maor’s rationale for moving on.

She says the club has plenty of time to find the best replacement.

“Our season has only just ended, and the first practice for the next season is still three months away,” she said.

“The Breakers is one of the most coveted coaching jobs outside the NBA.

“There are many great candidates, and we will take the time we have in spades to identify the right person to lead the team forward to give us the best opportunity to win the championship next season.”

38-year-old Maor says it will be an adjustment moving to Asia because his Breakers’ experience has left an indelible place in his heart because both his infant girls were born in Auckland.

He’s confident the players signed for the new season will rally around the new coach and continue the proud legacy of the club.

“I have spoken to all the players, and they are confident, as I am, that management will put an incredible coach in place,” says Maor.

“When a player decides to play for the Breakers, he takes many different parameters under consideration, and it’s not just to play under the coach,” he says.

“All the players I’ve signed have signed to play for the Breakers, not me, and I will be cheering them on from the couch next season.

“To the fans, you’ve been amazing, and I appreciate all your support. There’s no greater experience than a game day at Spark Arena.

“I’m really going to miss it and miss you all.”