1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from News Talks EDB. 3 00:00:12,667 --> 00:00:15,387 Speaker 2: Now, the New Zealand Breakers have been beaten in their 4 00:00:15,427 --> 00:00:21,067 Speaker 2: Australian National Basketball League season opener at Spark Arena. Adams 5 00:00:21,107 --> 00:00:25,987 Speaker 2: on the drive two seconds Brazer and he'll cash it. 6 00:00:26,267 --> 00:00:28,667 Speaker 2: And is that the dagger in the hearts of the 7 00:00:28,707 --> 00:00:34,187 Speaker 2: New Zealand Breakers. Now, this one's gonna wrap up. Thank 8 00:00:34,267 --> 00:00:36,227 Speaker 2: you a nine point when. 9 00:00:36,147 --> 00:00:38,667 Speaker 3: To the brisbod Bullets the way they wanted to start 10 00:00:38,987 --> 00:00:40,387 Speaker 3: NBL twenty six as. 11 00:00:40,267 --> 00:00:43,147 Speaker 2: They look to build up on their efforts last year. Yeah, 12 00:00:43,147 --> 00:00:45,147 Speaker 2: the Breaker is going down one O four to ninety 13 00:00:45,147 --> 00:00:47,667 Speaker 2: five to the Brisbane Bullets. Last night. The Breakers joint 14 00:00:47,707 --> 00:00:51,747 Speaker 2: top scorers with sixteen were American guards Parker Jackson Cartwright 15 00:00:52,187 --> 00:00:56,267 Speaker 2: and debutant Isaiah Brockington. It's quick turnaround for the team. 16 00:00:56,307 --> 00:00:59,507 Speaker 2: They travel today to play Melbourne United tomorrow afternoon in 17 00:00:59,547 --> 00:01:02,507 Speaker 2: their second match. The Breakers are of course under new 18 00:01:02,627 --> 00:01:07,227 Speaker 2: ownership Kiwe. American attorney and businessman Mark Mitchell is now 19 00:01:07,267 --> 00:01:10,267 Speaker 2: the majority owner of the club after completing the purchase 20 00:01:10,547 --> 00:01:14,347 Speaker 2: from Matt Walsh's US based group back in March. His 21 00:01:14,547 --> 00:01:18,627 Speaker 2: investment group also includes successful key We entrepreneurs the Gris brothers, 22 00:01:18,707 --> 00:01:22,347 Speaker 2: Leon and Stephen, their business partner Sean Colgan, as well 23 00:01:22,347 --> 00:01:25,067 Speaker 2: as former club owners Paul and Liz Blackwell and ex 24 00:01:25,067 --> 00:01:28,787 Speaker 2: Breaker and Toll Black, Tom Abercrombie and another club legend, 25 00:01:28,867 --> 00:01:33,907 Speaker 2: Dylan Boucher is the president of basketball Operations. Mark Mitchell 26 00:01:34,147 --> 00:01:37,187 Speaker 2: is with us. Mark, you were a lower level investor 27 00:01:37,627 --> 00:01:40,107 Speaker 2: under the previous ownership, So what leads you to seek 28 00:01:40,147 --> 00:01:43,147 Speaker 2: to take a majority stake in the Breakers. 29 00:01:43,467 --> 00:01:45,147 Speaker 4: Well, it's great to be with you and thanks for 30 00:01:45,187 --> 00:01:45,667 Speaker 4: having me. 31 00:01:46,227 --> 00:01:48,507 Speaker 3: I think it was a lot of things to do 32 00:01:48,667 --> 00:01:51,667 Speaker 3: with New Zealand, with the region, with the growth of 33 00:01:51,667 --> 00:01:55,907 Speaker 3: the game. I saw the opportunity to continue to grow 34 00:01:55,947 --> 00:01:59,307 Speaker 3: the sport and what we can do not only on 35 00:01:59,347 --> 00:02:01,787 Speaker 3: the court but in the community. I think that's really 36 00:02:01,787 --> 00:02:03,707 Speaker 3: important and that's what we're trying to get back to. 37 00:02:03,787 --> 00:02:06,907 Speaker 4: With our roots. So for me, it was a lot 38 00:02:06,947 --> 00:02:07,427 Speaker 4: of things. 39 00:02:08,267 --> 00:02:11,667 Speaker 3: And you know, being the team for New Zealand as 40 00:02:11,707 --> 00:02:14,467 Speaker 3: a as a country as a whole was so attractive. 41 00:02:14,987 --> 00:02:17,267 Speaker 2: You say, get back to that. Do you think the 42 00:02:17,267 --> 00:02:20,667 Speaker 2: club had moved away from that under the previous ownership group. 43 00:02:22,227 --> 00:02:25,347 Speaker 3: I believe so, you know, and and again you know, 44 00:02:25,347 --> 00:02:26,707 Speaker 3: we're thinking about the future. 45 00:02:26,787 --> 00:02:27,947 Speaker 4: We're thinking about. 46 00:02:28,267 --> 00:02:32,547 Speaker 3: Where we're going and trying to do it our way. So, 47 00:02:33,027 --> 00:02:35,227 Speaker 3: you know, I think the proofs in the pudding. We 48 00:02:35,467 --> 00:02:38,107 Speaker 3: are going to deliver on the promises that we're making, 49 00:02:38,547 --> 00:02:40,787 Speaker 3: and you know, the passes the past, but we're looking 50 00:02:40,787 --> 00:02:41,467 Speaker 3: towards the future. 51 00:02:41,987 --> 00:02:45,707 Speaker 2: How can were you to reintegrate the likes of the Blackwells, 52 00:02:45,907 --> 00:02:50,627 Speaker 2: Tom Ebercrombie, Dylan Boucher, names synonymous with the basketball club 53 00:02:50,627 --> 00:02:52,187 Speaker 2: in its past successes. 54 00:02:53,027 --> 00:02:56,467 Speaker 3: It was hugely important when you have success on the 55 00:02:56,507 --> 00:03:01,027 Speaker 3: court and off the court and build culture that's so successful. 56 00:03:01,307 --> 00:03:03,787 Speaker 3: So in the way that they've done this in the 57 00:03:03,827 --> 00:03:08,547 Speaker 3: early two thousands with the championships, with being role models 58 00:03:08,947 --> 00:03:12,347 Speaker 3: in the community and for New Zealand youth, that was important. 59 00:03:12,427 --> 00:03:16,787 Speaker 3: And every single person who you mentioned, they're great people, 60 00:03:16,907 --> 00:03:20,667 Speaker 3: they're great competitors, they're successful, but they all wanted to 61 00:03:20,707 --> 00:03:24,107 Speaker 3: be a part of this. They all understood what we're 62 00:03:24,147 --> 00:03:27,067 Speaker 3: trying to build. So for me, it would be silly 63 00:03:27,507 --> 00:03:31,467 Speaker 3: to not use those relationships and bring those people aboard. 64 00:03:31,827 --> 00:03:34,027 Speaker 3: And so I'm very happy with the group that I 65 00:03:34,067 --> 00:03:36,627 Speaker 3: put together, and you know, we're just getting started as 66 00:03:36,627 --> 00:03:39,747 Speaker 3: far as that goes. But to really have that foundation 67 00:03:41,067 --> 00:03:43,867 Speaker 3: is we started in a really great place because of that. 68 00:03:44,387 --> 00:03:47,947 Speaker 2: What is your vision for the Breakers long term? 69 00:03:48,107 --> 00:03:51,827 Speaker 3: Again, we represent the entire country, so to be the 70 00:03:51,907 --> 00:03:55,947 Speaker 3: country's team in the league and the NBL, but to 71 00:03:56,027 --> 00:03:56,707 Speaker 3: the world. 72 00:03:57,387 --> 00:03:59,227 Speaker 4: For us too, it's about leading. 73 00:04:00,107 --> 00:04:03,547 Speaker 3: In the sport in general, so from grassroots all the 74 00:04:03,547 --> 00:04:05,987 Speaker 3: way to the professional level. So in between that you 75 00:04:06,027 --> 00:04:08,787 Speaker 3: have all of the youth programs and junior Breakers, but 76 00:04:09,147 --> 00:04:11,507 Speaker 3: we're going to bring back the Breakers Academy as well. 77 00:04:11,947 --> 00:04:14,227 Speaker 3: And you know, we have a nice partnership as well 78 00:04:14,267 --> 00:04:17,467 Speaker 3: with Basketball New Zealand and the Tall Blacks. I understand 79 00:04:17,507 --> 00:04:22,067 Speaker 3: the importance of making sure that the sport grows as 80 00:04:22,107 --> 00:04:25,027 Speaker 3: a whole. We will all benefit from that. So there's 81 00:04:25,067 --> 00:04:28,747 Speaker 3: a lot of crossover as you know, with Dylan Boucher 82 00:04:28,787 --> 00:04:31,507 Speaker 3: being our president of Basketball Operations and the former CEO 83 00:04:31,587 --> 00:04:34,587 Speaker 3: of Basketball in New Zealand, but Jed Flavell as our 84 00:04:34,827 --> 00:04:38,307 Speaker 3: associate head coach, so many of our players playing for 85 00:04:38,347 --> 00:04:41,147 Speaker 3: the Tall Blacks. So to grow the game and for 86 00:04:41,267 --> 00:04:44,507 Speaker 3: New Zealand to be successful both as a national team 87 00:04:44,867 --> 00:04:48,587 Speaker 3: but also at a professional level in the NBL. 88 00:04:48,987 --> 00:04:50,467 Speaker 2: I want to talk a bit more about the community 89 00:04:50,507 --> 00:04:52,467 Speaker 2: stuff on the moment, Mike, But how important is that 90 00:04:52,667 --> 00:04:54,307 Speaker 2: the team just wins basketball games? 91 00:04:54,947 --> 00:04:59,507 Speaker 4: Very That's where it all begins. We're here to win, 92 00:05:00,187 --> 00:05:00,387 Speaker 4: you know. 93 00:05:00,427 --> 00:05:02,507 Speaker 3: I think we put together a very competitive team in 94 00:05:02,587 --> 00:05:06,267 Speaker 3: a very competitive league, but it all starts there. 95 00:05:06,427 --> 00:05:06,627 Speaker 1: You know. 96 00:05:06,747 --> 00:05:10,627 Speaker 3: That's what keeps people interested. You know, we've got great 97 00:05:10,627 --> 00:05:13,227 Speaker 3: fans in their diehards, but we all want to win. 98 00:05:13,347 --> 00:05:16,667 Speaker 3: That's where we start, and that's the conversation every day 99 00:05:16,667 --> 00:05:17,427 Speaker 3: in our facility. 100 00:05:17,947 --> 00:05:21,067 Speaker 2: Imports are obviously important to any roster in the Australia 101 00:05:21,187 --> 00:05:24,507 Speaker 2: National Basketball League and Pockajackson cat right, you've got one 102 00:05:24,547 --> 00:05:27,107 Speaker 2: of the best, a couple of debutants last night as well. 103 00:05:27,147 --> 00:05:30,827 Speaker 2: But how important is a strong Kiwi flavor on your roster. 104 00:05:31,467 --> 00:05:34,627 Speaker 3: It's been really important, I think, you know, I defer 105 00:05:34,747 --> 00:05:39,387 Speaker 3: to Dylan on basketball decisions. He is really great at 106 00:05:39,387 --> 00:05:41,947 Speaker 3: his job. But one of the things that we talked 107 00:05:41,987 --> 00:05:46,027 Speaker 3: about very early was pinning back to that Kiwi core. 108 00:05:46,467 --> 00:05:51,147 Speaker 3: I told the story to our team at our jersey blessing. 109 00:05:52,227 --> 00:05:55,547 Speaker 3: I had a conversation with a former executive of one 110 00:05:55,587 --> 00:05:58,307 Speaker 3: of the NBL teams in Australia and he said to me, 111 00:05:58,707 --> 00:06:01,107 Speaker 3: you know, I probably shouldn't tell you this, but when 112 00:06:01,107 --> 00:06:03,147 Speaker 3: we used to play you guys, we were a little 113 00:06:03,147 --> 00:06:03,827 Speaker 3: bit scared. 114 00:06:04,187 --> 00:06:05,547 Speaker 4: And I said, well, what do you mean by that? 115 00:06:05,667 --> 00:06:08,747 Speaker 3: He said, well, when New Zealand played, they were playing 116 00:06:08,787 --> 00:06:09,907 Speaker 3: for something different. 117 00:06:10,267 --> 00:06:12,107 Speaker 4: They were playing with the chip on their shoulder. 118 00:06:12,107 --> 00:06:14,947 Speaker 3: They were playing for the entire country and a level 119 00:06:14,947 --> 00:06:17,867 Speaker 3: of pride that we didn't see with the other teams. 120 00:06:18,187 --> 00:06:19,747 Speaker 4: And I found that to be so interesting. 121 00:06:19,827 --> 00:06:22,667 Speaker 3: I think it's an advantage that we have with our 122 00:06:22,787 --> 00:06:26,027 Speaker 3: Kiwi Core, and so you know, we want to, like 123 00:06:26,067 --> 00:06:27,987 Speaker 3: I said, build the game, but I think build the 124 00:06:28,027 --> 00:06:28,987 Speaker 3: game in the country. 125 00:06:29,387 --> 00:06:31,227 Speaker 4: But I think it's really important. 126 00:06:32,027 --> 00:06:34,147 Speaker 3: As we've built this Kiwi Core, it actually gives us 127 00:06:34,147 --> 00:06:35,347 Speaker 3: a competitive advantage. 128 00:06:35,747 --> 00:06:37,427 Speaker 2: Do you think the plaiers realize that? Do you think 129 00:06:37,467 --> 00:06:40,027 Speaker 2: they realized that the ky wekness is a superpeller? 130 00:06:41,227 --> 00:06:43,307 Speaker 4: You nailed the word. That's the word that I use. 131 00:06:43,387 --> 00:06:45,667 Speaker 3: I said, putting this jersey on is a superpower. And 132 00:06:45,707 --> 00:06:48,267 Speaker 3: I think that they agree. And I think we have 133 00:06:48,667 --> 00:06:51,787 Speaker 3: high level leadership. Uh you know from our Kiwis. We 134 00:06:51,827 --> 00:06:54,907 Speaker 3: also have a bunch of young Kiwis, so you know, 135 00:06:54,907 --> 00:06:57,787 Speaker 3: I think everybody understands that, and everybody plays with the 136 00:06:57,867 --> 00:07:00,627 Speaker 3: level of Pride because they're representing the country. 137 00:07:00,947 --> 00:07:03,267 Speaker 2: I guess it's easy to quantify on quote success with 138 00:07:03,507 --> 00:07:06,067 Speaker 2: you know, with results and stats and things like that, 139 00:07:06,507 --> 00:07:10,227 Speaker 2: but how do you quantify off court success the community stuff? 140 00:07:10,227 --> 00:07:13,667 Speaker 2: You were talking about, what does off court success look 141 00:07:13,787 --> 00:07:14,787 Speaker 2: like for the Breakers? 142 00:07:15,027 --> 00:07:17,947 Speaker 3: Well, it's funny, you know, we're now speaking a day 143 00:07:18,027 --> 00:07:22,027 Speaker 3: after the morning after a game. I got a text 144 00:07:22,027 --> 00:07:24,907 Speaker 3: this morning from someone who was at the game and 145 00:07:24,947 --> 00:07:27,307 Speaker 3: he said, I don't know what success looks like, but 146 00:07:27,707 --> 00:07:28,827 Speaker 3: you should look at this video. 147 00:07:28,827 --> 00:07:30,427 Speaker 4: And there's a video of his daughter. 148 00:07:30,587 --> 00:07:33,107 Speaker 3: Shooting hoops in their yard and he said, this is 149 00:07:33,147 --> 00:07:34,347 Speaker 3: what she's been doing all morning. 150 00:07:34,387 --> 00:07:37,467 Speaker 4: They were at the game last night. She's obviously inspired. 151 00:07:37,787 --> 00:07:40,187 Speaker 3: And success comes in a lot of different ways, but 152 00:07:40,587 --> 00:07:44,507 Speaker 3: that's one of them. Can we touch the youth, can 153 00:07:44,547 --> 00:07:47,267 Speaker 3: we be examples, can we be out in the community, 154 00:07:47,507 --> 00:07:48,467 Speaker 3: and can we grow the game? 155 00:07:48,787 --> 00:07:50,547 Speaker 2: Do you see a tom when there's a women's team? 156 00:07:50,907 --> 00:07:54,227 Speaker 3: I would love that, And so, you know, I think 157 00:07:54,387 --> 00:07:56,107 Speaker 3: there's a couple levels to look at that. 158 00:07:56,187 --> 00:07:59,667 Speaker 4: There's obviously domestic, there's a league. 159 00:07:59,467 --> 00:08:03,867 Speaker 3: And that's growing, and then the WNBL as well is 160 00:08:03,947 --> 00:08:07,467 Speaker 3: just getting its legs under itself. I think that is 161 00:08:07,827 --> 00:08:10,947 Speaker 3: something in the future that I absolutely want to have 162 00:08:11,107 --> 00:08:16,347 Speaker 3: as part of our program, and so as the opportunities 163 00:08:16,387 --> 00:08:18,907 Speaker 3: grow in the region, it's always something that we'll be 164 00:08:18,947 --> 00:08:19,907 Speaker 3: looking to add. 165 00:08:20,747 --> 00:08:23,707 Speaker 2: Would you describe yourself as a hands on owner of 166 00:08:23,787 --> 00:08:24,267 Speaker 2: this club. 167 00:08:26,387 --> 00:08:31,347 Speaker 3: I am very involved, but I've hired great people and 168 00:08:31,587 --> 00:08:34,507 Speaker 3: you know, they are empowered to do their jobs. And 169 00:08:34,667 --> 00:08:38,867 Speaker 3: I feel really wonderful about our staff, our front office 170 00:08:39,507 --> 00:08:43,267 Speaker 3: and the playing can continue as well, and the coaching staff, 171 00:08:43,267 --> 00:08:44,387 Speaker 3: I mean all phases. 172 00:08:44,707 --> 00:08:46,547 Speaker 4: I think we've gotten some. 173 00:08:46,587 --> 00:08:52,707 Speaker 3: Great people who are very talented but also good folks. 174 00:08:53,027 --> 00:08:55,467 Speaker 3: So for me, you know, it's about setting the vision. 175 00:08:55,747 --> 00:08:58,787 Speaker 3: I'm in touch with everybody all the time, but I'll 176 00:08:58,827 --> 00:09:00,307 Speaker 3: never micro manage folks. 177 00:09:00,867 --> 00:09:03,267 Speaker 2: An the result you're after last night to start the season, 178 00:09:03,267 --> 00:09:05,227 Speaker 2: but it's only the first game. What did you make 179 00:09:05,307 --> 00:09:06,147 Speaker 2: of last night? 180 00:09:06,827 --> 00:09:10,587 Speaker 3: Well, as a as a basketball fan, Uh, you know, 181 00:09:10,867 --> 00:09:13,107 Speaker 3: we can only shoot better than we did last night, 182 00:09:13,147 --> 00:09:16,267 Speaker 3: so I'm actually encouraged. You know, we played pretty well 183 00:09:16,267 --> 00:09:19,827 Speaker 3: with the shots just didn't fall. I will tell you this, 184 00:09:20,507 --> 00:09:24,267 Speaker 3: it is very different watching it from this perspective as 185 00:09:24,307 --> 00:09:27,107 Speaker 3: the owner of a team is quite nerve wracking. So 186 00:09:27,147 --> 00:09:29,387 Speaker 3: it was a fun time, you know, the atmosphere in 187 00:09:29,387 --> 00:09:31,747 Speaker 3: the arena was great. But I think, you know, for 188 00:09:31,787 --> 00:09:34,707 Speaker 3: the first game, not a bad start. We have things 189 00:09:34,747 --> 00:09:37,547 Speaker 3: obviously on the court we we're going to keep working on, 190 00:09:38,027 --> 00:09:40,147 Speaker 3: but are very confident in our team and in our 191 00:09:40,187 --> 00:09:43,587 Speaker 3: coaching staff that you know will continue to be very 192 00:09:43,587 --> 00:09:47,267 Speaker 3: competitive in every game in this league, like I mentioned, 193 00:09:47,467 --> 00:09:49,747 Speaker 3: is so competitive top to bottom. 194 00:09:50,107 --> 00:09:51,627 Speaker 4: But you know we'll be right there. 195 00:09:51,787 --> 00:09:53,867 Speaker 2: You've landed on a real string point. I've actually wondered that, 196 00:09:53,947 --> 00:09:56,067 Speaker 2: you know, what's so much skin on the game, you know, 197 00:09:56,147 --> 00:09:57,947 Speaker 2: being the owner of this club, Now, are you able 198 00:09:57,987 --> 00:10:00,227 Speaker 2: to actually enjoy a game of basketball that the brek 199 00:10:00,307 --> 00:10:01,107 Speaker 2: is applying? What do you do? 200 00:10:01,307 --> 00:10:01,467 Speaker 4: Well? 201 00:10:01,507 --> 00:10:03,267 Speaker 2: You just sitting there with a nought in your stomach 202 00:10:03,427 --> 00:10:05,267 Speaker 2: the whole time to be determined. 203 00:10:05,347 --> 00:10:08,307 Speaker 3: Last night it was more of a not in the 204 00:10:08,347 --> 00:10:11,747 Speaker 3: stomach scenario. So you know, hopefully we'll ease into this. 205 00:10:11,867 --> 00:10:13,987 Speaker 3: I told my wife last night, I said, I don't 206 00:10:14,027 --> 00:10:17,067 Speaker 3: know if I can do this thirty two times, you know, 207 00:10:17,107 --> 00:10:20,547 Speaker 3: because it is very stressful. You want what's best for 208 00:10:20,947 --> 00:10:25,227 Speaker 3: the guys, and you want that result that everybody wants, 209 00:10:25,267 --> 00:10:25,947 Speaker 3: which is to win. 210 00:10:26,667 --> 00:10:28,427 Speaker 4: So we'll see. We'll see how I do. 211 00:10:28,587 --> 00:10:30,907 Speaker 3: But like I said, It's a new experience, but one 212 00:10:30,907 --> 00:10:32,187 Speaker 3: that I'm embracing a bit. 213 00:10:32,427 --> 00:10:34,547 Speaker 2: Sounds like it. Great to have the new season underway. 214 00:10:34,547 --> 00:10:35,987 Speaker 2: Great to have you at the hell Mark. Thanks for 215 00:10:36,027 --> 00:10:38,147 Speaker 2: joining us. Look forward to catching up across the season 216 00:10:38,147 --> 00:10:38,827 Speaker 2: again sometime. 217 00:10:38,987 --> 00:10:40,827 Speaker 4: Thank you so much. Look forward to talking again. 218 00:10:40,907 --> 00:10:43,027 Speaker 2: Yes I do. I make thanks today. Mike Mitchell there, 219 00:10:43,107 --> 00:10:45,787 Speaker 2: majority owner of the Breakers. So we lost last night 220 00:10:45,827 --> 00:10:48,707 Speaker 2: one four ninety five to the Brisbane Bullets, but no 221 00:10:48,827 --> 00:10:51,827 Speaker 2: time to really dwell on that. Off they go to 222 00:10:52,067 --> 00:10:55,747 Speaker 2: Melbourne where tomorrow afternoon they'll play Melbourne United. Next home 223 00:10:55,787 --> 00:11:00,867 Speaker 2: game is next Saturday at Beckett Sparker in obviously against 224 00:11:01,107 --> 00:11:02,307 Speaker 2: against the Perth Worldcats. 225 00:11:03,027 --> 00:11:06,147 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 226 00:11:06,507 --> 00:11:09,707 Speaker 1: News Talks it B weekends from midday, or follow the 227 00:11:09,747 --> 00:11:11,227 Speaker 1: podcast on iHeartRadio