NZ Breakers sign import Patrick Richard to complete exciting backcourt quartet

GETTY IMAGES

New Breakers signing Patrick Richard in action for Joventut Badalona in Spain's ACB League.

The Breakers' backcourt is locked and loaded with the addition of second import Patrick Richard to complete a quartet that new coach Kevin Braswell is excited about unleashing on the Australian NBL.

Richard, a 28-year-old, 1.96m swingman capable of covering both backcourt spots and the small forward position, was unveiled on Monday as the Breakers' second import signing for the 2018-19 ANBL season, on a one-year deal.

That brings to 10 the fully contracted players for next season, with just an import big man left to be signed. That likely will be left till much closer to the new season tipoff.

The well-travelled American hoops professional from Louisiana, who has been playing most recently in Spain's Liga ACB, brings what Braswell calls a "diverse skillset", drawing comparisons with the game of ANBL legend CJ Bruton. The new Breakers coach hopes he will be a key piece in a championship roster, alongside Tall Blacks duo Shea Ili and Corey Webster and livewire Aussie Jarrad Weeks in the backcourt.

"Patrick is very knowledgeable when it comes to reading the game. He can also do everything. He shoots the ball well, he makes plays well, and he can defend well. I'm trying to find guards who have depth in that position and can do everything," Braswell said.

"Last year we had Shea Ili, DJ Newbill, Edgar Sosa, and Kirk Penney who were all quite different guards. This year we have Shea, Weeks, Corey and Patrick who are all up-tempo. Now we have four guards who can push the pace … hard."

Richard, who has played the previous five seasons in Europe, said from his base in Louisiana he was excited about heading to New Zealand.

"In our talks together, I felt like coach Braswell and I were on the same page with a lot of things, like playing exciting basketball and striving towards getting that championship title," Richard said.

"Also, I liked that the Breakers are a family organisation. I want to be a part of that and hopefully keep building the tradition there in a positive way."

Richard most recently played for Joventut Badalona in Spain's Liga ACB, where he averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists through 32 games. He shot 50 percent from the floor, 36 from beyond the arc and 84 from the free-throw line.

Prior to that he had played in Israel, France, Germany and Holland, as well as in the NBA D League (Iowa Energy) and for the Sandringham Sabres in the second-tier Australian SEABL competition.

He believes his experience in Europe stands him in good stead for this assignment.

"When you play against top players in the Euro league there is very little room for error. You have to be ready to play at your best, or those guys will take advantage of any little mistakes you make," he said.

Braswell said one view of Richard's scouting tape from the Spanish league was enough to convince him he was their missing backcourt piece.

"When I saw his video I thought to myself, 'this guy can really play'. He reminds me of a CJ Bruton. An older type of player that can really help out the others."

Braswell is attempting to build a roster similar to the 2010-11 Breakers championship-winning squad he played on, with the depth, competitiveness and up-tempo game that was a hallmark of that group.

So far Braswell has all but one spot filled, with his backcourt quartet, import small forward Armani Moore, Tall Blacks Finn Delany, Tom Abercrombie and Jordan Ngatai, coveted free-agent Tai Wesley and Aussie big man Majok Majok. He will take his time adding the final piece, which it is hoped will be a quality American centre.

Patrick Richard - fact file
DOB: January 25 1990 (28yo)
From: Louisiana, United States
School: Carencro High School
College: McNeese State (named Southland Conference Player of the Year 2012)
Pro career: Australia, Holland, Germany, France, Israel, Spain.
Position: Small forward/shooting guard/point guard
Physical: 1.96m, 94kg