Breakers coach says no to Tall Blacks

New Zealand Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis, who guided his side to a 86-84 win over Melbourne Tigers last night,  has ruled out a bid for the Tall Blacks job to concentrate on club commitments.

With incumbent Nenad Vucinic under threat following the Tall Blacks' failure to make the Olympics, the successful Breakers mentor, a former Australian under-21 assistant, was seen as a strong candidate, given his knowledge of Kiwi hoops.

Lemanis told the Sunday Star-Times he would ''love to be involved'' with the Tall Blacks one day, but his work with the Breakers made that impossible.

"My focus is on the Breakers particularly given the timing of that international [playing] window and how they keep moving the Aussie NBL season forward.

"I don't think it would be sensible to give that much time prior to the Breakers' season starting.

"I'd love to be involved with a national programme at top level but I just don't think right now the two fit together.''

The Breakers (eight wins, three losses) started a three-game road trip last night with a hard-fought win over defending champions the Tigers.

Star point guard CJ Bruton, who injured his back just before the Breakers lost 96-86 to the Adelaide 36ers at home on Thursday night, surprisingly suited up and led the way for the Breakers, who almost blew a 17-point halftime lead.

It was 86-84 with 60sec remaining, but neither side could score under pressure, Melbourne's Ebi Ere missing  a late three-pointer.

Kirk Penney (25) dominated the Breakers scoring, with useful efforts from Tony Ronaldson (13), Bruton (12), Oscar Forman (12, nine rebounds) and Rick Rickert (10, six rebounds). Centre Chris Anstey (19, 11 rebounds), Rod Grizzard (17) and Sam McKinnon (12, 11 rebounds) led the way for the Tigers, who  roared back with a 25-11 third quarter.

The three-game road trip, with Cairns on Wednesday and Townsville next Saturday, could define the Breakers' season as they chase a top six playoff berth in the 10-team Australian NBL.

"It's a good challenge. We're coming off a loss, have some injuries and play some good teams at their place. When you're faced with that sort of adversity your true character tends to come out.''

After enduring a hellish first two years in charge, when the Breakers struggled to avoid the wooden spoon, the dogged Lemanis has emerged with credit for building a winning programme.

Lemanis says the current wave of success, after making the playoffs for the first time last year, and attracting such talent as Bruton, Kirk Penney and Tony Ronaldson to the club, was all part of the plan when he first hit Auckland.

"It's testament to the owners, the management, the board and all of us for having a plan and sticking with it in the face of criticism and adversity.

``Having that belief that if you do the right things it will come back to reward you. The programme we have now has put us in a pretty good place.  ``Results are one thing but also just our ability to attract good players and good people. We understand the importance of the community and do work there.

"That's the sort of stuff that helps you maintain success over a longer period of time. I'm really comfortable with what we've been able to build so far. The challenge is to keep building and to keep evolving.''

On court, Bruton and Penney have started brilliantly, while Ronaldson, US forward Rick Rickert,  and three-point aces Phill Jones and Oscar Forman, have all had their moments. Add in the nous of Dillon Boucher and Henare's unwavering drive, and the chemistry is their for a championship challenge.

"The defence has improved from the start of the season and we want to continue that,'' said Lemanis.

"Offensively sometimes we get a flow on and things go well for us, sometimes we get bogged down and we quick-shoot a little bit. 

"So we're finding our best form but like every team in the league we will continue to get better.''

The impressive debuts of young Kiwis Thomas Abercrombie (forward) and Corey Webster (guard) against the Adelaide 36ers is testament to the Breakers Academy.

"They got thrown in difficult circumstances and held their own. They showed some quality signs for us and hopefully as the season goes on they will get more experience  for us.''

A rare tirade of profanity by Lemanis to motivate his troops when 18 down to the Perth Wildcats was caught on Maori TV recently, underlining that behind the nice-guy image is one ambitious basketball coach. The F-words worked, they got up to win.

"I don't advocate swearing but I believe in picking and choosing your moments to reach down to a certain level and perhaps get a response from your players.

"If you do it all the time the words lose their effect. It's only effective if you do it when you really need it.'' He tries to keep his emotions in check.

"I've learnt to relax a little bit more. Not get so uptight about things and just try and stay a little bit more  level and not get caught up in the rollercoaster of emotions which can be professional sport.''

He is reluctant to make title predictions, but feels the team vibe and scoring ability will have them right in the hunt come grand final time.

"You're in it to win it.

"The journey is part of the process and that's where a lot of the enjoyment comes.

"Getting that reward at the end would obviously be the icing on the cake.

"Hopefully we'll be in  position to play in front of a full house and a good TV audience for the championship.''