Experienced Israeli coach Dan Shamir has been announced as director of basketball in a coaching structure overhaul at the Breakers, after the protracted exit of Kevin Braswell.
The Breakers finally confirmed that Braswell had been sacked as coach one year into his three-season contract.
While it has been reported for more than a month that Shamir - who Tall Blacks guard Corey Webster has likened to high-profile soccer coach Jose Mourinho - would take charge in a more executive role, an announcement wasn't possible until Braswell's severance details were settled.
Former Breakers guard Braswell oversaw a 12-16 record last season, after replacing Paul Henare, and failed to reach the finals.
Club owner Matt Walsh believes they can achieve more with Shamir, the reigning Israeli Premier League coach of the year.
The 44-year-old is a three-time Isreali Cup winner, including last season with Hapoel Holon, who he has steered to three play-off appearances over the past four seasons.
Shamir served a coaching apprenticeship at the University of Kentucky and spent a year as assistant to former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt at Dynamo Moscow.
Walsh said Shamir had made an impression since arriving in Auckland this month and beginning work with the players.
"Dan brings with him experience coaching at the highest levels and knowledge of best practices for top-level basketball organisations," Walsh said.
"His experience is already being felt throughout the organisation."
The Breakers' new assistants are Kiwis Zico Coronel and Mike FItchett, who both hold head coaching roles in the New Zealand NBL.
Shamir also unveiled his first signing, attracting US swingman Scotty Hopson who has had three brief stints at NBA clubs and played in the Hapoel team that finished third in the Israeli BPL last month.
Webster, who has played in Israel, expects Shamir to be a success.
"Amazing basketball IQ, he's got a great sense of humour, he's like a Jewish Jose Mourinho and I'm looking forward to the season ahead," Webster said.
The Breakers' star player signing is 18-year-old American RJ Hampton, who chose a season in the NBL over major US college offers and is expected to feature prominently in the 2020 NBA draft.
