BNZ Breakers Sign Import Forward Josiah-Jordan James for NBL27

The BNZ Breakers have brought in Josiah-Jordan James as one of their two remaining imports for the NBL27 Season.

The 6'6" (198 cm) versatile wing will arrive in Auckland following an impactful time with Israeli Premier League powerhouse Hapoel Jerusalem, where he competed in both domestic play and the high-level EuroCup.

James brings an exceptional basketball pedigree and elite physical profile to the BNZ Breakers' rotation. A former 5-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American coming out of high school, James went on to craft a historic five-year career at the University of Tennessee under head coach Rick Barnes.

At Tennessee, James established himself as a fierce perimeter defender and high-IQ playmaker, becoming one of only two players in program history to accumulate over 1,250 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 steals, and 100 blocks. Following his decorated collegiate career, James made his professional debut in the NBA G League with the Indiana Mad Ants before transitioning to Hapoel Jerusalem.

His rare combination of multi-positional defence, rebounding strength, and perimeter shooting makes him a seamless fit for new Head Coach Gordon Herbert’s high-intensity system.

"Josiah-Jordan James is the exact type of import we wanted to bring into our system for NBL27," says Dillon Boucher, BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Operations. "He plays with immense physical toughness, defends multiple positions at an elite level, has a sweet shooting touch and brings high-level European and collegiate experience."

"Under Head Coach Gordon Herbert, we want relentless competitors who impact winning in every column of the stat sheet," added Marc Mitchell, BNZ Breakers Owner and Chairman. "Josiah possesses incredible basketball IQ, leadership, and motor. Breaker Nation is going to love the versatility and grit he brings to Spark Arena."

The BNZ Breakers have one remaining import slot.

NBL 27 Squad: 
Parker Jackson-Cartwright
DJ Vasiljevic
Izayah Le'afa
Preston Le Gassick
Kouat Noi
Sam Mennenga
Carlin Davison
Reuben Te Rangi
Anzac Rissetto
Josiah-Jordan James

Coaching Staff & Operations
Gordon Herbert
Sebastian Gleim
Matt Lacey
Quinn Clinton.