The New Zealand Breakers have entered a new era with the appointment of Gordon Herbert as their head coach on a two-year contract. Herbert, who recently led Germany to the FIBA World Cup 2023 title, is set to bring his elite coaching experience to the Auckland-based club. He will also continue his role as head coach of the Canadian senior men’s national team, a task he embraces despite the challenges of managing both responsibilities. In an interview, Herbert expressed his commitment to both roles, stating, 'You have to balance both of them, but I wouldn’t have done this if I weren’t 100% committed.' This move to the National Basketball League (NBL) is a long-held ambition for Herbert, who has been following the growth of basketball in Oceania for over a decade. He described the NBL as an 'under-the-radar league' that has piqued his interest for years. Looking ahead to the upcoming NBL season, Herbert is focused on establishing a championship culture centered around a strong defensive identity. He plans to build his tactical system around key players like Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Sam Mennenga, aiming to enhance their performance in points, rebounds, and assists as they strive for success in the league.