BIO: Corey Webster was born and raised in Auckland (NZ) and attended Westlake Boys High School. He began playing junior basketball for North Harbour Basketball Association before moving to the United States in 2007 to attend college at Lambuth University, a NAIA school.

FAMILY: Corey’s brother, Tai Webster also played 87 games in the NBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Corey Webster made his NBL debut with the New Zealand Breakers at 19 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

Webster progressed through the New Zealand Breakers’ development and academy programs before spending a year playing college basketball in Tennessee, USA. In June 2008, he returned to New Zealand and joined the Breakers as a development player.

Opportunities were limited for Webster in his rookie season, as he appeared in just seven games, averaging 0.4 points, 0.1 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. The Breakers finished the regular season in third place with an 18-12 record.

Having made their first-ever playoff appearance the previous season, head coach Andrej Lemanis retained much of the team’s core for the new campaign. However, the squad saw some changes, with Phill Jones departing for Cairns and Tim Behrendorff signing with Wollongong. To strengthen the roster, the Breakers brought in experienced forward Dave Thomas from Cairns, but an injury forced Thomas into early retirement before the season tipped off. Former NBA player Awvee Storey was signed as his replacement, while development player Thomas Abercrombie was promoted to the main squad.

The Breakers struggled in the first half of the season, largely due to the absence of their leading scorer Kirk Penney (23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists), who missed nine games with a back injury. Compounding their struggles was Storey’s underwhelming performances (7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists), leading to his release after just nine games. The club cited that “things weren’t working out” with the import. In an attempt to stabilize the roster, the Breakers signed veteran John Rillie (4.3 points and 1.6 rebounds) as a temporary replacement, but his 12-game stint failed to turn the team’s fortunes around.

A turning point came with the midseason signing of Kevin Braswell (9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.3 steals), who made an immediate impact. With Braswell leading the charge, the Breakers closed out the season with six consecutive wins in their final seven games.

Despite the strong finish, New Zealand narrowly missed out on the playoffs in one of the most competitive NBL seasons ever. The Breakers ended the campaign in fifth place with a 15-13 record, falling just two games short of league leaders Perth.

2009/10
In his second year as a development player, Webster saw more court time, appearing in 10 games. He averaged 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while continuing his development within the Breakers’ system.

During the 2010 offseason, the New Zealand Breakers made significant roster moves, including the re-signing of fan favorite Mika Vukona and the addition of former Utah State standout Gary Wilkinson to strengthen their frontcourt. Kevin Braswell, who had been a key contributor the previous season, was also retained. This year marked a major milestone for Corey Webster, as the 22-year-old was promoted from development player to a full-time roster spot with the Breakers.

The team opened the season without their star guard Kirk Penney, who was pursuing an NBA contract. Though Penney ultimately did not secure a deal, he returned to the Breakers after the first month of play. Despite his absence, the Breakers got off to a hot start, winning their first five games. However, their unbeaten run came to a crashing halt in Round 6 when they suffered a heavy 114–74 defeat to the Perth Wildcats.

Once back in the lineup, Penney (20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game) resumed his role as the team’s primary offensive weapon and finished as New Zealand’s leading scorer for the season. With Penney’s scoring punch and a deep, balanced roster, the Breakers controlled the regular season, finishing atop the NBL standings with an impressive 22–6 record. Now part of the main rotation, Webster contributed in limited minutes, averaging 4.0 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.

Their top-seeded finish set up a semifinal showdown with the fourth-seeded Perth Wildcats. The series began with a setback as the Wildcats stunned the Breakers on their home floor, but New Zealand responded emphatically, winning two straight games to clinch the series 2–1 and advance to their first-ever NBL Grand Final.

Despite his on-court contributions, Webster’s season ended on a controversial note when he tested positive for synthetic cannabis during the semifinals. It was his second drug-related offense in two years, leading to the termination of his contract with the Breakers.

In the championship series, the Breakers faced off against the Cairns Taipans. New Zealand dominated Game 1, jumping out to a massive 31-point lead in the third quarter en route to an 85–67 victory. Game 2 in Cairns was a nail-biter, with both teams deadlocked at 60–60 at the end of regulation and again at 73–73 after the first overtime. The Taipans ultimately pulled away to win 85–81, setting up a decisive Game 3.

Returning to their home court for the championship decider on April 29, 2011, the Breakers rose to the occasion. With a dominant defensive display, they held Cairns to just 53 points, securing a 71–53 victory and capturing their first-ever NBL Championship. The triumph marked a historic moment as the Breakers became the first New Zealand-based team to win a title in Australian professional sports.

2011/12
The 2011/12 season was a turbulent one for Corey Webster, as his career hit a major roadblock when he tested positive for synthetic cannabis during the previous season’s NBL semifinals. This was his second violation within two years, resulting in a one-year suspension under WADA regulations. The New Zealand Breakers subsequently terminated his $50,000 contract, ruling him out of the entire season.

“It’s an unfortunate situation for Corey, but as a club, this was an action we had to take,” said Breakers General Manager Richard Clarke at the time.

“The second positive test breached the previous agreement between Corey and the club, as well as team protocols and club values. We felt terminating his contract was the most appropriate course of action for all involved.”

While Webster was sidelined, the Breakers entered the season with a retooled roster. Following their first NBL championship win, the team lost their leading scorer Kirk Penney to Europe and suffered a setback when Kevin Braswell sustained an offseason Achilles injury. To fill the void, coach Andrej Lemanis recruited Cedric Jackson as the team’s new point guard and signed Daryl Corletto, who had been released by Melbourne to make way for NBA star Patty Mills.

Despite these changes, New Zealand didn’t miss a beat as defending champions. Jackson (12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.2 steals) dominated in his debut season, leading the league in both assists and steals. With offensive contributions from Gary Wilkinson (16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) and Thomas Abercrombie (15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists), the Breakers secured back-to-back first-place finishes with a 21-7 record.

The Breakers went on to became the first team to win back-to-back NBL titles since Sydney’s three-peat (2002-2005). Bruton, who shot 4-of-7 from deep in the decider, was named the Larry Sengstock Medalist as Grand Final MVP.

2012/13
Corey Webster returned to the New Zealand Breakers for the 2012–13 season after serving a 12-month suspension for the use of banned substances. The Breakers were aiming to become just the second team in NBL history to secure a three-peat, and Webster’s return bolstered their depth off the bench. While the team made key offseason moves, including re-signing Cedric Jackson, Leon Henry, Thomas Abercrombie, Dillon Boucher, Mika Vukona, CJ Bruton, and Daryl Corletto, a major decision was made not to re-sign leading scorer Gary Wilkinson, who departed for Europe. Instead, the team elevated promising Kiwi center Alex Pledger into the starting lineup, while import forward Will Hudson (via Gold Coast) was signed as his replacement.

New Zealand had a dominant season, finishing with a league-best 24–4 record while breaking multiple records along the way. Cedric Jackson led the team offensively, averaging 14.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and a league-leading 2.8 steals per game. On November 30, 2012, he recorded his first career triple-double, posting 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Melbourne Tigers. The Breakers also set a franchise-best 15-game winning streak leading into the playoffs.

In addition to Jackson, the Breakers had a well-balanced attack, featuring Thomas Abercrombie (11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds), Alex Pledger (10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks), Daryl Corletto (9.6 points), and Mika Vukona (8.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists). At the end of the season, Jackson was named NBL MVP and selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Mika Vukona and Thomas Abercrombie earned Second and Third Team honors, respectively. Head coach Andrej Lemanis was named Coach of the Year.

Corey Webster provided valuable contributions off the bench, averaging 7.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. His ability to provide instant offense and perimeter shooting helped the Breakers maintain their momentum, particularly during their extended winning streak.

In the playoffs, New Zealand eliminated the Sydney Kings in two straight games. Abercrombie (15 points) and Jackson (11 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the way in an 81–64 victory in Game 1, while CJ Bruton (21 points) and Pledger (18 points, 12 rebounds) took charge in Game 2 (99–88) to seal the series. The Breakers then faced the Perth Wildcats in a Grand Final rematch. The Wildcats entered the series at a disadvantage, having lost starting guard Damian Martin to an Achilles injury. Brad Robbins was brought out of retirement to fill the void, but it wasn’t enough to stop New Zealand’s momentum.

Webster played his role in the Grand Final as the Breakers swept Perth in two straight games to complete their historic three-peat. Game 1 saw Daryl Corletto explode for 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting in a 79–67 victory. In Game 2, Bruton (16 points) and Jackson (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Breakers to a 70–66 win, securing the championship. Jackson was named Grand Final MVP for his leadership and all-around dominance.

2013/14
After winning three consecutive championships, the New Zealand Breakers entered a transitional phase as head coach Andrej Lemanis departed to lead the Australian Boomers. Assistant coach Dean Vickerman was promoted to head coach and tasked with continuing the team’s championship streak.

Vickerman inherited a roster that had undergone major changes, with star import Cedric Jackson departing for Europe and veteran leader Dillon Boucher retiring. The team struggled early, losing three of their first four games, prompting the Breakers to bring back two-time champion and fan favorite Gary Wilkinson (15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) in late October to help stabilize the squad.

Despite Wilkinson’s return, the Breakers’ struggles continued, and in December, veteran guard CJ Bruton (6.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) announced he would retire at the end of the season, just before playing his 500th career game. By January, injuries added to the team’s woes as Alex Pledger (10.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks) was sidelined after playing just 13 games due to persistent injuries. The Breakers signed Casey Frank (5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) as his replacement.

Kerron Johnson (12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals), signed to replace Jackson at point guard, struggled to replicate his predecessor’s impact. His inconsistent shooting limited the team’s offensive spacing, placing more responsibility on Thomas Abercrombie (15.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) to carry the scoring load. However, without Jackson’s playmaking and defensive presence, the Breakers failed to generate momentum and never won more than two consecutive games all season, finishing in seventh place with an 11–17 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in four years.

Despite the disappointing season, the emergence of young guards Corey Webster (8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) and Reuben Te Rangi (5.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists) provided hope for the future, as both delivered career-best scoring seasons and showed potential as key pieces moving forward.

On March 21, 2014, CJ Bruton played his final NBL game in front of a packed Breakers crowd at Vector Arena, finishing with 11 points, 3 assists, and 1 rebound in a loss to Cairns (83–95). His retirement marked the end of an era for the Breakers, as they looked to rebuild toward contention in the seasons ahead.

2014/15
After a dismal season the year prior, where the team missed out on the NBL playoffs despite having won the previous three championships in a row, the New Zealand Breakers regrouped with key roster changes. They replaced imports Kerron Johnson and Gary Wilkinson with big man Ekene Ibekwe and the return of fan favorite Cedric Jackson, who had led the team to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. This season also saw the exits of veteran CJ Bruton (retired) and Daryl Corletto (to Melbourne), with Rhys Carter (via Adelaide) and Tai Wesley, who qualified as a local under the league’s Asian player rule, brought in as replacements.

The Breakers started the season strong with back-to-back wins over Perth and Adelaide but then suffered consecutive losses to Cairns and Melbourne. However, they quickly found their rhythm, stringing together multiple five-game winning streaks to establish themselves as a serious contender. Jackson (14.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.2 steals) was back in MVP-caliber form, orchestrating the offense and anchoring the defense. Corey Webster thrived in a starting role, averaging 15.3 points per game, cementing himself as one of the league’s elite scorers.

Jackson delivered multiple standout performances throughout the season. He earned Player of the Week honors in Round 10 and recorded his second career triple-double on January 18, 2015, with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists against Melbourne. A few weeks later, he notched another triple-double (11 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists) in a game against Adelaide. He then hit a game-winner against Perth, securing another Player of the Week award in Round 19. Jackson’s season also included one of the most iconic buzzer-beaters in NBL history. In a late-season matchup against the Wildcats, he launched a full-court heave off the backboard as time expired to secure a dramatic double-overtime victory in one of the league’s most unforgettable moments.

New Zealand battled with Perth and Cairns for the top spot all season, ultimately finishing second with a 19–9 record. In the semifinals, the Breakers faced third-seeded Adelaide, who had closed the season on a ten-game winning streak, making them the hottest team in the competition. However, New Zealand dominated Game 1 at Vector Arena, securing a commanding 111–82 victory behind a career-high 24 points from Webster. They maintained control in Game 2, defeating the 36ers 94–83 in Adelaide to advance to the Grand Final.

In the championship series, they faced minor premiers Cairns, the first regional center team to finish atop the standings since 1984. Despite Cairns holding home-court advantage, the Breakers controlled Game 1, winning 86–71 behind Jackson’s 22 points. Game 2 in Auckland was a tightly contested battle, with Taipans guard Scottie Wilbekin tying the game with two free throws in the final seconds of regulation. On the ensuing inbounds play, Ibekwe received the pass, turned, and sank a game-winning fadeaway jumper to give the Breakers an 83–81 victory, securing their fourth NBL title in five seasons.

Jackson (15 points in the final) was named Grand Final MVP for the second time in his career, becoming the first player in NBL history to win three championships in his first three seasons. His leadership, along with the emergence of Webster and Ibekwe’s clutch performances, solidified the Breakers as the league’s dominant force once again.

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2015/16
After winning the 2015 NBL Championship, the New Zealand Breakers retained nearly their entire roster, with only Rhys Carter (to Sydney) and Ekene Ibekwe (to Europe) departing. To replace them, the team signed Australian point guard Shane McDonald and rookie American big man Charles Jackson. However, their preseason was disrupted by several setbacks, including Alex Pledger’s absence due to foot surgery, Thomas Abercrombie’s lingering hamstring injury, and Corey Webster’s departure to trial with the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. To compensate, the Breakers elevated development players Shea Ili and Tai Wynyard while signing Everard Bartlett as a temporary replacement for Webster.

New Zealand’s season opener resulted in a shocking 90–71 loss to Adelaide. Missing Webster, Abercrombie, and Pledger, the Breakers struggled offensively, with Cedric Jackson (14 points) leading a limited scoring effort. At halftime, the score sat at 51–26 in Adelaide’s favor, marking the team’s second-lowest first-half score and second-largest halftime deficit in franchise history.

Jackson celebrated his 99th NBL game in the next contest with a dominant triple-double (14 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists), leading the Breakers to an 89–81 victory over Townsville. His 77.7% win rate (77 wins in 99 games) set a new NBL record. However, in his 100th game, he endured the worst performance of his career, going scoreless (0-of-7 FG) as New Zealand suffered a 96–75 blowout loss to Illawarra.

The Breakers’ season turned around with the return of Webster, who rejoined the team after being waived by the Pelicans. Webster (19.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) immediately re-energized the offense. Duane Bailey was released to make room for him, while Everard Bartlett, initially signed as his replacement, was retained for the rest of the season. Webster’s presence made an instant impact, leading the Breakers to win nine of their next eleven games and improving their record to 10–5 by Round 10.

Despite their midseason resurgence, the Breakers faltered, losing five of their next six games and slipping out of the top four. Webster’s continued scoring ability helped momentarily stabilize the team, and Jackson delivered key individual performances, including a fifth career triple-double (16 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists) on November 8 against Melbourne. Jackson later battled through toe and Achilles issues before bouncing back in February with a season-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in a dominant 106–84 win over Adelaide. His stat line, which included seven three-pointers, made him the first NBL player to record such numbers since John Rillie in 1998.

Key contributors throughout the season included Webster (19.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists), Thomas Abercrombie (14.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists), Cedric Jackson (12.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.3 steals), Tai Wesley (11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), and Charles Jackson (10.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks). One of Charles Jackson’s standout performances came in a double-overtime loss to Illawarra on January 17, 2016, where he recorded 18 rebounds—including 10 offensive boards—becoming the first Breakers player in history to achieve double-digit offensive rebounds in a game and the first NBL player to do so since Rosell Ellis in 2007.

New Zealand hit their lowest point on January 21, suffering their fifth straight loss—their worst losing streak since the 2008–09 season. However, they responded with a five-game winning streak to close the regular season, finishing fourth with a 16–12 record and narrowly edging out Adelaide for the final playoff spot.

In the semifinals, the Breakers stunned first-placed Melbourne United with a 2–0 series sweep, securing their fifth Grand Final appearance in six years. Facing the Perth Wildcats, New Zealand fell 82–76 in Game 1 as Perth relied on Nathan Jawai’s inside presence and Casey Prather’s strong defense. Back in Auckland for Game 2, the Breakers responded with a gritty 72–68 victory behind Jackson’s near triple-double (13 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists).

The deciding Game 3 in Perth saw 13,090 ‘Red Army’ fans create a hostile atmosphere. The Wildcats overpowered New Zealand with their defense, led by Damian Martin, who kept Jackson scoreless on five shot attempts and forced him to foul out early in the final quarter. Perth cruised to a 75–52 victory, claiming their seventh NBL championship and handing New Zealand their first Grand Final series loss in franchise history.

Webster capped off a stellar individual season by earning All-NBL Second Team honors. He finished as the league’s second-leading scorer with 19.9 points per game, proving himself as one of the competition’s top offensive weapons..

2016/17
Following their Grand Final loss, the Breakers underwent significant changes, with coach Dean Vickerman departing and Paul Henare taking over. Dillon Boucher transitioned to general manager, and Cedric Jackson and Tai Wesley joined Melbourne United. The team retained Abercrombie, Webster, Pledger, and Mika Vukona while adding club legend Kirk Penney and imports Ben Woodside and Akil Mitchell. Development players Shea Ili, Finn Delany, and Jordan Ngatai were elevated to full-time roles.

Injuries plagued the Breakers throughout the season. Webster (hip and back issues) missed multiple games early on and struggled to regain form upon his return, averaging 11.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Abercrombie, Woodside, and Mitchell also faced injury setbacks, with Mitchell suffering a gruesome eye injury in January. Despite a brief return, Webster was shut down for the season due to lingering injuries.

New Zealand cycled through imports, replacing Woodside with David Stockton, who lasted 10 games before being replaced by Kevin Dillard. Dillard (18.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists) and Penney (17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) led a late-season charge, but consecutive losses in Round 17 ended their playoff hopes.

The Breakers finished in fifth place with a 14–14 record, missing the playoffs for the second time in three years.

2017/18
After missing half of the 2016–17 NBL season due to a hip injury, Corey Webster was released by the New Zealand Breakers in March 2017. He subsequently signed a two-year deal with the Perth Wildcats but never played for the club. After competing in the 2017 NBA Summer League, Webster received a significantly larger offer from a European team and requested a release before the NBL season began.

2018/19
In 2018, the New Zealand Breakers underwent significant changes, beginning with a shift in franchise ownership. Former NBA player Matt Walsh led a consortium that became the majority shareholder under Breakers Basketball Ltd, ending the 13-year reign of Liz and Paul Blackwell as owners.

The off-season saw the departure of several long-serving Breakers stalwarts. Paul Henare’s 15-year tenure as a player and coach came to an end, while the team also bid farewell to Kirk Penney, who retired, as well as Alex Pledger (to Melbourne), Mika Vukona (to Brisbane), and Robert Loe (to Cairns). With so many veteran leaders exiting, the Breakers needed to rebuild around a new core.

On May 24, 2018, Corey Webster returned to the Breakers on a three-year deal, rejoining a revamped squad led by newly appointed head coach and former player Kevin Braswell. Thomas Abercrombie was named team captain in Vukona’s absence, while the roster was bolstered with the additions of Tai Wesley (via Melbourne), Jarrad Weeks (via Cairns), and Majok Majok (via Melbourne). The Breakers also signed imports Patrick Richard, Armani Moore, and Shawn Long to round out their roster.

The season began with a high-profile NBLxNBA exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Breakers performed admirably, nearly securing an upset before falling 91–86. Corey Webster led the charge with 27 points and 7 assists, while Tai Wesley contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds. For Phoenix, Deandre Ayton dominated with 21 points and 15 rebounds, and Trevor Ariza added 16 points and 6 assists. Webster’s performance was a reminder of his elite scoring ability, and expectations were high for him heading into the NBL season.

However, the Breakers’ regular season was plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and chemistry issues. They endured a five-game losing streak between November and December, managing just four wins in their first 12 games. Several players underperformed, and the team struggled to establish an identity.

Corey Webster, previously one of the league’s elite scorers, endured a disappointing season, averaging 10.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists—his worst statistical output in five years. Abercrombie (8.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) and Shea Ili (7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) also saw their production decline, while imports Patrick Richard (11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) and Armani Moore (7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) failed to meet expectations.

Webster had a few standout performances, including a 31-point, 8-assist effort against Melbourne on November 16, where he shot 11-of-16 from the field, and a 25-point performance against Cairns on November 9, shooting 10-of-16. Another highlight was his 18-point, 3-assist outing against Illawarra on February 14, where he made 6-of-10 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range.

By January, New Zealand had slipped to the bottom of the ladder with an 8–12 record after three consecutive losses, including a defeat to last-placed Cairns. Despite some late efforts to regain form, the Breakers finished the season with a 12–16 record, placing sixth and missing the playoffs.

One of the few bright spots was Jarrad Weeks, who had a career-best season, averaging 10.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He was a runner-up for both Best Sixth Man and Most Improved Player. Tai Wesley (14.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) provided consistent production, while Shawn Long (18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks) emerged as the team’s standout player. Long ranked second in the league in rebounds and blocks, earned All-NBL Second Team honors, and was named the Breakers’ Club MVP.

2019/20
In 2019, following an impressive FIBA World Cup campaign with the Tall Blacks, Webster sought to leave the Breakers to sign with Darüşşafaka Basketbol in Turkey. The Turkish club offered a lucrative deal, and with his brother Tai Webster already playing in Turkey, it was a chance to be closer to family while playing at a high level in Europe.

Despite Webster offering to pay $100,000 of his own money to buy out his contract—along with an additional $25,000 from Darüşşafaka—the Breakers doubled the buyout demand, effectively blocking the move. This led to public frustration from Webster and reports that Breakers co-owner Matt Walsh had called him the “worst statistical starting shooting guard in the NBL.” Walsh later clarified that this was said in a specific statistical context, but it nonetheless became a heated public issue.

Webster began the 2019/20 season in strong form, averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 11 games. However, in December, he was bought out of his contract to pursue an opportunity in China. Without Webster, the Breakers concluded the season in sixth place with a 15–13 record, narrowly missing the playoffs.

2020/21
After a COVID-19-delayed start to the 2020–21 NBL season, the New Zealand Breakers faced a challenging campaign that saw them play the majority of their games on the road. Due to pandemic-related restrictions, the team was forced to relocate to Australia, only returning to New Zealand for their final seven games in late May. This unprecedented situation contributed to one of the most turbulent seasons in franchise history.

Heading into the season, the Breakers added former Brisbane Bullets star Lamar Patterson and American center Colton Iverson as imports while welcoming back Tai Webster, who had last played for the team in 2013 before heading to college at Nebraska. However, their plans suffered a major setback before the season even began when their leading scorer, Corey Webster (13.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists) sliced a nerve in his hand while cutting an avocado, ruling him out for the first month of the season. Webster would later miss an additional four weeks due to a knee injury, further disrupting the team’s backcourt stability.

The Breakers started the season with an overtime loss to Adelaide, followed by a six-point win over Cairns. However, they quickly spiraled into a slump, losing seven of their next eight games. The struggles led to the release of Lamar Patterson after just six games, as he battled fitness issues and a knee injury that further limited his impact (10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists). Patterson had previously been an All-NBL First Team selection in Brisbane, where he averaged nearly 20 points per game, but his form never reached that level in New Zealand. Head coach Dan Shamir admitted the situation with Patterson had been difficult from the start, stating, “Lamar got to us 12 days before game one, and unfortunately, he was not in top shape to play… It influenced how he played, and it influenced the whole team.”

In Patterson’s absence, the Breakers added Jeremy Kendle as a short-term replacement, and the team saw immediate improvement, winning three of their next four games. Despite the midseason roster adjustments, injuries continued to plague the squad. Thomas Abercrombie, Corey Webster, Tai Webster, and Robert Loe all missed extended time, forcing the Breakers to sign Australian guard William McDowell-White (7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists) as a nominated replacement player for the injured Corey Webster. Additionally, Levi Randolph (14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) was brought in with 15 games remaining to replace Patterson, which also resulted in the release of Kendle after just 10 games.

Despite the roster shake-ups, New Zealand remained stuck at the bottom of the standings, falling to 4–9 after 13 games. Even as Corey Webster returned in February, his comeback was short-lived, as he was sidelined again on March 13 due to a knee injury that kept him out for another four weeks. The team struggled to find consistency, losing five of their next six games.

Adding to their woes, COVID-19 forced the Breakers to constantly relocate from city to city, attempting to find venues where games could be played. This instability took a toll on the squad, but a brief window allowed them to return home for their final seven games in New Zealand. They finished that stretch with a 3–4 record, ultimately placing second-last with a 12–24 season record.

Despite the disappointing results, several players had standout individual performances. Tai Webster (17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists) emerged as the team’s leading scorer. Finn Delany (16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) had a breakout season and was named the Breakers’ Club MVP, improving his scoring output from 12 points per game the previous year. Teamcaptain Thomas Abercrombie (10.6 points and 3.4 rebounds) provided leadership and stability when on the floor, while Colton Iverson (8.8 points and 8.6 rebounds) was a reliable presence in the paint.

Additionally, the season saw Tom Abercrombie set two major franchise records. In April 2021, he played his 355th game for the Breakers, surpassing Mika Vukona (354) to become the club’s all-time leader in games played. He also passed Kirk Penney (489) as the Breakers’ all-time leader in three-pointers made.

Ultimately, the 2020–21 season was one defined by adversity. The combination of a nomadic schedule, key player injuries, and roster instability made it one of the most challenging seasons in franchise history..

2021/22
Heading into the 2021/22 season, the Breakers decided to prioritize Tai Webster and William McDowell-White at the guard positions, leaving limited opportunities for Corey Webster. On August 20, 2021, Webster exercised a release from his contract, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

PERTH WILDCATS
2022/23
Following a historic playoff miss that ended their 35-year postseason streak, Canadian coach Scott Morrison stepped down after just one season, citing family reasons. In response, the Wildcats appointed former Townsville Crocodiles star John Rillie as head coach on a three-year deal.

Perth retained the majority of its roster, with only Kevin White (Illawarra) and Matt Hodgson (Taiwan) departing. Key re-signings included Bryce Cotton (three-year extension), Todd Blanchfield (three-year deal), and Jesse Wagstaff (one-year deal). Kyle Zunic was elevated from a development player to a full contract, while Corey Webster, who had originally signed with the Wildcats in 2017 before departing prior to the season, returned as a free agent. The team also added new imports TaShawn Thomas (via France) and Brady Manek (North Carolina) to bolster their scoring depth.

The Wildcats started the season strong, winning their first three games to sit atop the NBL standings. However, a five-game losing streak quickly derailed their momentum, dropping them to seventh place—a position they occupied for much of the season.

Corey Webster had several key moments throughout the campaign. On December 12, 2022, in his 250th NBL game, he sealed a dramatic 90–89 victory over Melbourne United by sinking a clutch three-pointer in the final moments. The game saw Perth erase a five-point deficit in the final seconds, with Todd Blanchfield hitting a three-pointer while drawing a foul. After missing the free throw, Blanchfield secured the rebound and found Webster, who drained the game-winner to send the crowd at RAC Arena into celebration. Webster finished with 20 points and three assists, while Bryce Cotton added 29 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Another highlight came when Webster played a crucial role in ending the New Zealand Breakers’ five-game winning streak. Motivated by an unflattering meme posted by the Breakers on social media, Webster erupted for 16 points in the third quarter, including a stretch of nine straight points. He finished with a season-high 26 points in front of family and friends. Brady Manek hit three key three-pointers in the final period, while Cotton contributed 17 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in the 92–84 win.

Late in the season, the Wildcats added Corey’s younger brother, Tai Webster (7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists), to the roster while releasing Corey Shervill. Despite ongoing roster adjustments, the Wildcats relied on a core group that included Bryce Cotton (23.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals), Corey Webster (14.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists), TaShawn Thomas (13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists), Brady Manek (13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists), and Luke Travers (9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals) to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Heading into the final three games of the regular season, Perth lost crucial matchups to Tasmania (102–94) and Cairns (84–71), setting up a must-win scenario against the league-leading Sydney Kings. Despite Sydney limiting Cotton to just seven points, Webster stepped up with 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Luke Travers contributed 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Manek added 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the Wildcats to a 96–84 upset victory.

The win secured Perth a 15–13 record, locking them into the sixth seed and a spot in the inaugural play-in tournament. In their first play-in matchup against South East Melbourne, the Wildcats trailed for most of the game but surged in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Phoenix 41–23 to claim a 106–99 victory. However, their season ended in the following round against the Cairns Taipans. Despite the Taipans missing their star player Keanu Pinder, DJ Hogg delivered a playoff-record 32 points, nine rebounds, and four assists to lead Cairns past Perth 91–78, ending the Wildcats’ season.

2023/24
Following back-to-back seasons without a playoff appearance—a first in decades—the Perth Wildcats entered the 2023/24 NBL campaign determined to hit the reset button. The club moved on from import duo TaShawn Thomas and Brady Manek, while homegrown NBA prospect Luke Travers departed for Melbourne United in pursuit of his NBA dream. Perth also made the bold decision to buy out the contracts of veterans Mitch Norton (to Brisbane) and Todd Blanchfield (to Illawarra) in an effort to develop a younger, more versatile roster.

With a clear vision for rejuvenation, the Wildcats retooled with a mix of elite talent and promising youth. The marquee signing was two-time NBL Most Improved Player Keanu Pinder, acquired from Cairns. Joining him was French NBA prospect Alexandre Sarr, who signed under the Next Stars program and brought elite size, athleticism, and intrigue. Imports Jordan Usher and Kristian Doolittle were added for scoring and defense, while local recruits Hyrum Harris (via Adelaide), David Okwera (via Melbourne), and rookie Ben Henshall rounded out the youth infusion. Returning to the squad were veteran Jesse Wagstaff, Tai Webster, and Corey Webster, who signed a two-year deal (with a team option) to stay in Perth alongside his younger brother.

Corey Webster, coming off a strong previous season, was viewed as a valuable veteran contributor. Head coach John Rillie praised his presence and shot-making ability: “Where Corey really separates himself in the NBL is that he can go and get a bucket when necessary, and I will always rely on him to bring a great spirit to our group, whether at practice or on Game Day.”

The season began with promise. Usher exploded for 35 points in a debut win over Tasmania, setting a record for the most points by a Wildcats import in their first game. Webster also made an immediate impact, stepping into the starting lineup for the injured Tai Webster and scoring 16 points in 26 minutes. He followed it up with 11 points and four rebounds in the Pink Game victory over Adelaide and tallied 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds against Melbourne—proving early that he could still deliver when called upon.

However, momentum stalled. Perth dropped five of their next six games, culminating in a loss to Brisbane that triggered public frustration and calls for Rillie’s dismissal. Cotton’s limited involvement in the offense—often parked in the corners—drew criticism, especially after his wife voiced concerns on social media. Amid the chaos, Keanu Pinder (13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals) boldly predicted the team would win their next five games. That confidence became a rallying cry.

Bryce Cotton (22.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals) erupted for 29 points in a win over Adelaide and rediscovered MVP form. Between mid-December and late January, Cotton averaged 30.4 points across eight games—including a 41-point showing against Sydney—eventually locking in his fourth league MVP, trailing only Andrew Gaze (7) all-time.

Rillie made crucial midseason adjustments. Usher (12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists) was shifted into a sixth-man role where he thrived, embracing the change and delivering energy off the bench. Hyrum Harris (5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists) was moved into the starting five, bringing toughness and defensive hustle. Doolittle (9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists) anchored the defense and provided timely offense with his methodical mid-range game.

Alexandre Sarr (9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks) rapidly became a sensation. At just 18, the seven-footer hit clutch shots, including back-to-back threes to seal a win over Adelaide, and finished the season projected as a top-three pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Tai Webster (8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists) was instrumental in facilitating the offense, freeing Cotton to dominate off the ball. From January 13–25, he averaged 18 points in a four-game span that saw Perth win three of those contests.

Corey Webster, while used sparingly (13 games), had multiple double-digit scoring games early in the season. Beyond his 16-point debut, he added strong outings against Brisbane (11 points) and Adelaide (14 points), finishing the year with averages of 6.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. His leadership, shot-making, and professionalism remained an asset in the locker room even in a reduced role.

Perth finished second on the ladder (17–11), marking a strong return to form. Cotton’s historic fourth MVP confirmed his legacy, and the team’s youthful core showed promise. However, the postseason ended prematurely, with the Wildcats falling to eventual champions Tasmania in the semifinals.

The Wildcats did not pick up their team option on his contract for the 2024–25 season, seeing Webster play 49 games for the club over two seasons.

“Corey’s leadership, veteran experience and scoring ability has been a valued asset for the team the last two seasons, and he was a true professional and leader throughout his time with the organisation,” Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said.”

Corey Webster played thirteen seasons in the NBL, playing for both the New Zealand Breakers and the Perth Wildcats. He averaged 11.1 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 286 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (833 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.