Son of Former Otago Highlander Signs with Sky Sport Breakers

The son of former Otago Highlander and Southland Stags Captain Brendon Timmins is fulfilling a boyhood dream by joining the Sky Sport Breakers.

24-year-old Sam Timmins, who has been a standout for the Otago Nuggets in the New Zealand NBL this season, has signed a one-year development contract, with a club option for a second year.

He is currently on top of the New Zealand NBL Most Valuable Player leaderboard.

Timmins has four years of College experience from the University of Washington and is currently “stat-stuffing” in the New Zealand league.

By averaging 20.6 points and 14.2 rebounds a game for the Otago Nuggets, the 211 centimetre or 6’11” Centre is attracting enormous attention from a host of rival A-NBL clubs.

However, the proud kiwi says there is only one team he wants to play for in the A-NBL.

“The Breakers are a New Zealand team playing against Australians, and I’ve always wanted to be part of the organisation,” says Timmins.

“I was inspired growing up watching them win the three-peat, and I just want to be part of that team and bring it success.” 

Head Coach Dan Shamir believes the opportunities for Timmins are endless now he has signed with the Breakers.

“In our mind, a guy who wants to play for the Breakers and sees the value of what this team is doing for New Zealand basketball means a lot.  It is a huge point in his favour,” says Shamir.

“Besides the scoring and rebounding, Sam’s playing with good flow in the New Zealand NBL.  He will have opportunities to step in here and there when needed.”

With Rob Loe recovering from a knee injury, and Colton Iverson signing with a Japanese club, the Breakers will be recruiting an experienced import Centre for NBL22, assisting Timmins reach his potential.

“There is a learning curve playing the kind of basketball that we play in the NBL.  Sam will need time to adjust, but he definitely can develop into a Breakers player who helps us for a long time,” says Shamir.

“There are not a lot of minutes because we are getting an import.  We have Rob Loe and Kyrin Galloway, but it’s also up to Sam how quickly he picks things up and finds a way to make himself important.  

“I’m especially happy Sam will join us after the New Zealand NBL season in shape.   With  Rob Loe still rehabbing, the opportunities for Sam will open up the moment he arrives.”