Breakers Sign Second French Wonder Kid Destined for the NBA

The Sky Sport Breakers have set themselves the achievable goal of being the first club in the world to have two rostered first-team players drafted into the NBA draft in the same year.

Today, the Auckland-based club confirmed French Shooting Guard Hugo Besson has joined the roster as a second import after the Breakers signed former NBA Point Guard Peyton Siva last month.

ESPN currently has Besson the 35th pick for the 2022 NBA Draft following a stellar season in the French second division.

The 20-year-old was named in the league’s All-Star Five and received awards for scoring champion and best youngster after averaging 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Besson joins a roster already containing fellow countryman and NBL Next Star Ousmane Dieng, who ESPN ranks 14th for the draft next year.

Both players are confident they can emulate the feat of the Orlando Magic’s RJ Hampton, who spring boarded into the NBA following the 2020 NBL season with the Breakers.

“The Breakers have become a destination for top talent globally,” says owner Matt Walsh.

“It has been exciting watching RJ and his development, knowing this club played a role in that. 

“Just like RJ, I expect both Hugo and Ousmane will be first-round picks in next year’s NBA draft following a season playing for the Breakers and being coached by Dan.”

Breakers Head Coach Dan Shamir says he is hugely excited to be working with Besson.

“When Ousmane committed to us in June we no longer had the next star position available but we liked Hugo so much that we decided to take him as an import. That in itself tells you how highly we rate him,” says Shamir.

Shamir, who speaks fluent English as a second language just like Besson and Dieng, believes the two young players should feel solidarity being able to talk in their native tongue to each other if they encounter any cultural hurdles playing a long way from France.

“Having two guys who are a similar age with a similar background can help them, and they definitely should enjoy playing together.”

The Breakers still have one import spot to fill and are actively looking for another player who can bring NBA experience to the roster.

The NBL season is due to tip off November 18.