TRIO OF BNZ BREAKERS STARS NOMINATED FOR MAJOR NBL AWARDS

The BNZ Breakers are proud to announce that three players have been recognised among the Australian league’s elite, earning nominations for major honours ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 NBL Awards.

 

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Melbourne on 23 February, following the Ignite Cup Final.

 

Headlining the nominations is superstar guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who is a finalist for the prestigious Andrew Gaze Trophy (Most Valuable Player). A driving force for the BNZ Breakers all season, Jackson-Cartwright has delivered one of the most complete individual campaigns in recent club history, combining explosive scoring with elite playmaking and leadership.

 

Tall Blacks forward Sam Mennenga has earned dual recognition for his breakout season. He has been nominated for both the Most Improved Player Award and the Next Generation Award.

 

Mennenga has become an offensive weapon for the club this season, elevating his production on both ends of the floor. His physicality, improved shooting efficiency, and defensive versatility have transformed him into a nightly matchup problem for opponents.

 

He has proved that Kiwis are able to take on the Aussies and compete to the highest levels.

 

Joining Mennenga as a finalist for the Next Generation Award is BNZ Breakers teenage sensation Karim López.

 

Projected as a likely top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, López’s nomination caps off a season defined by rapid improvement and on-court maturity. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill has seen him dominate stretches of play, cementing his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world basketball.

 

Concluding his second season as a BNZ Breaker, he has developed from a young talent to a nearly complete basketballer.

 

BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Operations, Dillon Boucher, said the nominations reflect the club’s commitment to high performance and development.

 

"To have three players recognised across these major categories is a testament to the hard work put in by the entire group this season.”

 

“Parker has been nothing short of exceptional leading our team, while Sam and Karim have brought vitality and dynamism to the front court. We are thrilled to see their efforts acknowledged by the league."

 

The 2025–26 NBL Awards will celebrate the standout performers from across the season on Sunday, 23 February in Melbourne.

The Andrew Gaze MVP Awards Night will be broadcast on Disney+ from 9:30 PM NZDT 

 

ENDS.