Breakers concentrating on defensive end

• Author: Hayden Meikle
• Published date: 30 September 2022
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times: Web Edition Articles (New Zealand)

But, unlike the past two COVID-affected seasons, they will then get to enjoy the comforts of home. Hayden Meikle fires some questions at Breakers and Otago Nuggets centre Sam Timmins, preparing for his first season on the full roster after having a development contract last year

What can we expect from the Breakers this season, Sam?

We want to hang our hat on the defensive end this year. We've got a new coaching staff and new players but there are enough of us around from last year who remember what it felt like when we would go into games and teams would just score on us time after time. Sometimes we would stick in the game to the end but sometimes we'd get beaten by 20-plus points. We know we've got to bring it on the defensive end, every single game, to give ourselves a chance to win. It comes down to us banding together and stopping other teams, and our roster has been put together with that in mind. High-energy, pressure on the ball, scrambling and just breaking out and running. Our three imports have gelled really well with the guys so far. Hopefully, that all comes together and we see having people having fun with steals and lobs and dunks and hitting threes. We just want to see more togetherness and more smiles on faces, and hopefully that will mean more wins.

How much of a relief is it not to have to spend the entire season in Australia?

It's the best feeling you can imagine. My only Breakers experience was last year in hotel rooms. I've worked so hard to get this opportunity, and while it was still awesome, and I learned so much, it wasn't the full experience. A big part of this is playing in front of New Zealand fans and getting to live here. I'm so excited, and it's so awesome to come home...