NICKNAME/S: Rob

BIO: Robert Loe was born in Leicester, England and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand where he attended Westlake Boys High School, less than five kilometres away from Breakers Headquarters.

At Westlake, he helped the team win two national championships and was a Westlake Sportsman of the Year recipient after averaging 19.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 63 percent from the field.

He also earned the ASB college sport Sportsman of the Year award in 2009 and the ASB college sport Basketballer of the Year award in 2008 and 2009, while being named Westlake’s most outstanding basketball player three years in a row.

In April 2010, he was a member of the World Select Team that competed at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon.

Loe went on to play college basketball for Saint Louis University and represented the New Zealand national team.

He holds a British passport which allows him to play as a unrestricted player in Europe.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Robert Loe made his NBL debut with the New Zealand Breakers at 25 years of age. He scored eight points in his first game.

Following the Breakers’ 2016 Grand Final loss, both chief executive Richard Clarke and head coach Dean Vickerman left the organisation, with assistant coach Paul Henare stepping up to the head coach role and Dillon Boucher moving into the front office as general manager.

Joining Vickerman in departure were Cedric Jackson and Tai Wesley, who both signed with Melbourne United. The Breakers retained Thomas Abercrombie, Corey Webster, Alex Pledger, and Mika Vukona and brought club legend Kirk Penney back to the squad. To fill two vacant import slots, the Breakers signed Ben Woodside and Akil Mitchell. Additionally, New Zealand players Finn Delany, Shea Ili, and Jordan Ngatai were promoted from development roles to full-time roster spots.

An injury-plagued pre-season saw Shea Ili (back), Penney (calf), and Webster (hip and back) sidelined for multiple games, impacting the first half of the season. When Webster returned mid-season, he was still hampered by injury, with his scoring dipping from 19.6 ppg to 11.7 ppg. After 20 games, the Breakers had recorded just eight wins, and the “injury bug” continued to bite. Abercrombie (11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists) and Woodside (8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals) missed time due to injuries. In a January matchup against Cairns (81-94), Mitchell (9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) suffered a severe eye injury after being poked by Nnanna Egwu, resulting in his left eye temporarily dislodging. Though his vision was restored, he returned to the US for further medical consultations.

Webster made a courageous return, but his recurring injuries led to him being shut down for the season based on medical advice. The Breakers added Paul Carter (9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) as an import replacement, and eventually swapped out an underperforming Woodside for David Stockton, son of NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton. Stockton averaged 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 10 games before succumbing to injury himself and being replaced by Kevin Dillard.

The combined play of Dillard (18.1 points, 4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals) and Penney (17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) rejuvenated the Breakers, leading to a four-game winning streak and a brief playoff hope revival. However, back-to-back losses in Round 17 dropped them to fifth place (14–14), ending their postseason aspirations.

Despite closing the season with two consecutive wins, the Breakers missed the playoffs, finishing fifth (14–14). Rob Loe contributed solid numbers, averaging 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

2017/18
In 2017/18, Loe continued his impact in the Breakers’ rotation, posting averages of 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. His efforts were instrumental in helping New Zealand secure a fourth-place finish in the regular season with a 15-13 record.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
2018/19
After finishing sixth with an 11-17 record the previous season, Cairns moved in a new direction, parting ways with long-time coach Aaron Fearne after eight seasons and appointing Mike Kelly. The Taipans entered the rebuild having lost Cameron Gliddon (to Brisbane), Mitchell McCarron (to Melbourne), Jarrad Weeks (to New Zealand) and Stephen Weigh (retired).

Kelly added Lucas Walker (via Perth), Jarrod Kenny (via Perth), Dexter Kernich-Drew (via Perth) and Mitch Young (via Brisbane), along with imports Melo Trimble, Devon Hall and DJ Newbill. Free agent Robert Loe (via New Zealand) was signed to a two-year deal after spending the previous two seasons with the Breakers, with Kelly saying, “Rob has a winning mentality.”

Cairns opened the season on the road against Brisbane, where the new signing (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided an immediate contribution from the bench as the Taipans defeated the Bullets 88-70. Trimble (32 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) starred on debut and Newbill (16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) also impressed, while Reuben Te Rangi (18 points and 3 rebounds) led Brisbane.

Loe (7.5 points and 4.8 rebounds across 28 games) appeared in every game for Cairns and started 14 times, with no injury causing him to miss a game during the season. The opening-night victory was followed by 14 consecutive losses as the largely rebuilt roster struggled to find any consistency.

The losing streak finally ended on January 3 when Cairns defeated Brisbane 109-80 at the Cairns Convention Centre. Loe (7 points and 6 rebounds) contributed as Hall (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Nathan Jawai (18 points and 4 assists) led the Taipans, while Lamar Patterson (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) was Brisbane’s best.

Eight days later Cairns produced another upset, defeating Perth 81-79 at RAC Arena. Loe (3 points and 3 rebounds) played 20 minutes as Trimble (32 points and 7 rebounds) and Jawai (14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led the Taipans, while Bryce Cotton (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) top-scored for Perth.

Loe’s best scoring game of the season came against Brisbane on January 19, where he came off the bench for 19 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block. Trimble (23 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Newbill (8 points) were the other leading scorers for Cairns, but Patterson (15 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) helped Brisbane dominate the Taipans 99-68.

On February 4, Loe (16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) made seven of his 11 shots and scored 14 points in the first half as Cairns took a 57-54 lead into halftime against Illawarra. Newbill (20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Trimble (13 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1 steal) also contributed, but Brian Conklin (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped the Hawks take control after halftime and defeat Cairns 110-95.

One of Cairns’ best wins came in Melbourne on February 14, where Loe (9 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) started as the last-placed Taipans led from start to finish and upset defending champions Melbourne 87-85. Trimble (21 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Newbill (17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led the scoring while Chris Goulding (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) was Melbourne’s best, with the victory giving Cairns consecutive wins for the first time that season.

Trimble (21.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across 27 games) led Cairns offensively, earning All-NBL Second Team honours and the Taipans’ MVP award, while Newbill (14.3 points and 4 rebounds across 27 games), Jawai (10 points and 5.2 rebounds across 27 games), Hall (8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds across 28 games), Alex Loughton (6.5 points across 25 games) and Walker (6.1 points and 4 rebounds across 26 games) were the team’s other major contributors. The extensive roster turnover and limited preparation contributed to an inconsistent season, with Cairns going 3-11 at home and 3-11 on the road.

Cairns closed the season against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena, where Loe (13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Trimble (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Loughton (17 points and 3 rebounds) kept the Taipans within reach before the Kings won 89-84 behind Andrew Bogut (12 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks), leaving Cairns last with a 6-22 record.

2019/20
After finishing sixth with a 12-16 record under Kevin Braswell the previous season, New Zealand appointed Dan Shamir as coach and Director of Basketball. Shea Ili (to Melbourne), Shawn Long (to Melbourne) and Tai Wesley (to South East Melbourne) departed, while general manager Dillon Boucher and assistant coach Michael Fitchett also left the club. RJ Hampton (via Little Elm High School) joined through the NBL’s Next Stars program, while Scotty Hopson (via Hapoel Holon), Sek Henry (via Pınar Karşıyaka) and Brandon Ashley (via APOEL Nicosia) were added as imports. The Breakers also brought back their former centre from Cairns on a one-year deal after the Taipans agreed to release him from the second season of his contract for personal reasons. “Rob’s a fantastic player with a high IQ and will be a significant addition on the court,” Boucher said.

Following an impressive FIBA World Cup campaign, Corey Webster sought a release to join Darüşşafaka in Turkey, offering $100,000 towards his own buyout while the Turkish club offered another $25,000, but New Zealand rejected the deal. Reports that co-owner Matt Walsh had described Webster as the “worst statistical starting shooting guard in the NBL” added to the dispute, although Walsh later clarified the comment related to statistical comparisons from the previous season.

The Breakers travelled to the United States during the preseason to face Memphis and Oklahoma City as part of the NBLxNBA series. Against Oklahoma City on October 10, the returning centre produced 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block on 9-of-14 shooting, leading New Zealand in scoring as the Breakers lost 84-110, while Steven Adams (19 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led the Thunder.

New Zealand opened its NBL season against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on October 18, where Loe (12 points) started at centre as the Breakers lost 91-96. Scotty Hopson (27 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Corey Webster (21 points, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led New Zealand, while Casper Ware (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Sydney.

Loe (9.3 points and 4 rebounds across 20 games) started 18 of his 20 appearances and provided the Breakers with an outside shooting threat from the centre position, but his season was interrupted almost immediately by a serious head injury.

Against Illawarra at Spark Arena on October 24, Loe (2 points) suffered a fractured skull following a collision with LaMelo Ball just over four minutes into the game and was taken to hospital. Henry (21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Hopson (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped New Zealand complete a 103-72 victory, while Aaron Brooks (19 points) led Illawarra. Loe experienced headaches and concussion symptoms in the days following the injury before further testing produced a best-case diagnosis of at least four weeks on the sidelines. The fractured skull ultimately forced him to miss New Zealand’s next eight games.

Loe returned in December as the Breakers attempted to recover from a poor start which saw them win only two of their first ten games and later fall to 4-10. Injuries to Finn Delany, Hopson and Webster also disrupted the first half of the season, with Glen Rice Jr (25 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals across 3 games) signed as an injury replacement for Hopson before being suspended and eventually released following off-court incidents. Webster was bought out of his contract in December (to China).

Loe’s best scoring game came against his former team Cairns on January 9, where he came off the bench and made 10-of-16 shots to finish with a career-high 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Hopson (18 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) and Thomas Abercrombie (16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) provided support, but Scott Machado (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Cairns to an 85-79 victory. The game also raised $11,500 for the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal through donations connected to three-pointers and dunks.

Eight days later against league-leading Sydney in New Plymouth, Loe (18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) delivered one of his best all-around games and hit a three-pointer in the final minute to extend New Zealand’s lead to six points. Hopson (30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) led the Breakers and Jarrad Weeks (14 points and 6 rebounds) also played a major role as New Zealand won 88-81, while Jae’Sean Tate (22 points and 3 rebounds) led Sydney. The victory improved the Breakers to 10-12 and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Hopson (18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 21 games), Henry (13.2 points and 3.4 assists across 26 games), Abercrombie (11.8 points and 4.3 rebounds across 28 games), Delany (11.8 points and 5.7 rebounds across 20 games), Ashley (10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds across 28 games), Hampton (8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds across 15 games) and Weeks (5.6 points across 25 games) were New Zealand’s other major contributors. After falling to 4-10, the Breakers won 11 of their final 14 games. Hampton returned to the United States late in the season to continue rehabilitating a hip injury and prepare for the NBA Draft, while Abercrombie became the first New Zealander and only the second NBL player after Daniel Kickert to complete a 50-40-90 season and was named the Breakers’ MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Hopson earned All-NBL Second Team honours and was named the Members Choice MVP.

New Zealand entered its final game still alive in the playoff race and defeated South East Melbourne 92-83 in Christchurch on February 14, where Loe (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) made seven of his ten shots. Hopson (23 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals) and Abercrombie (18 points and 5 rebounds) led the Breakers, while John Roberson (15 points and 8 assists) led the Phoenix. New Zealand finished sixth with a 15-13 record and missed the playoffs on points percentage.

2020/21
After finishing sixth with a 15-13 record and missing the playoffs in 2019/20, New Zealand entered Dan Shamir’s second season as head coach without Scotty Hopson (to Melbourne), RJ Hampton (to Denver), Sek Henry (to Turkey), Jordan Ngatai (to Cairns), Brandon Ashley and Ater Majok. Shamir added Tai Webster (via Galatasaray), Lamar Patterson (via Brisbane), Colton Iverson (via Zenit Saint Petersburg), Dan Trist (via South East Melbourne) and Rasmus Bach (via Randers), while Kyrin Galloway, Taine Murray and Isaac Davidson joined as development players. COVID-19 delayed the season until January and forced the Breakers to relocate to Australia, where they played their first 29 games outside New Zealand and staged several designated home games in Tasmania.

Loe had already committed to the Breakers long-term, re-signing on a three-year deal in February 2020. Shortly before the season opener, Loe hyperextended his knee and suffered bone bruising, but recovered in time for the start of the season. “I’m just ready to go,” said Loe.

New Zealand opened against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 22, where Loe (4 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) started, while Tai Webster (34 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Delany (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Breakers. Isaac Humphries (24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks) led Adelaide to a 94-91 overtime win.

Loe (6.2 points and 3.9 rebounds across 17 games) shared New Zealand’s centre minutes with Iverson, but personal circumstances and later availability issues limited him to less than half of the season.

On February 6, Loe (8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) contributed as New Zealand recorded its first win of the season, defeating Cairns 85-79 at Cairns Pop-Up Arena. Tai Webster (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Patterson (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) led the Breakers, while Scott Machado (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 13 assists) was Cairns’ best.

After playing the opening five games, Loe returned to New Zealand for personal reasons and missed 12 consecutive games through April 4. With the Breakers required to remain in Australia, Loe later explained that being away from his wife and newborn child had become too difficult and returned home to support his family. “I made the right call for my family,” Loe later said. He rejoined the Breakers in April, but also sat out the April 18 game against Perth for a reason not identified in contemporary reports.

During his absence, New Zealand fell to 4-9 after 13 games as injuries and roster changes continued. Patterson (10.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 6 Breakers games) suffered a knee injury against Illawarra on February 22 before being released (to Brisbane) on March 16. “Lamar got to us 12 days before game one, and unfortunately, he was not in top shape to play,” said Shamir. Jeremy Kendle was added as short-term cover, while McDowell-White (7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists across 20 games) joined (via Rio Grande Valley) as a nominated replacement for the injured Corey Webster and Randolph (14.8 points and 3.4 rebounds across 15 games) arrived (via Canton Charge) to replace Patterson.

Loe’s best game came against South East Melbourne on May 12, where Loe (19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 7-of-11 shots and both three-point attempts. Delany (32 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McDowell-White (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) provided support, but Keifer Sykes (21 points) led the Phoenix to a 91-82 win. Loe was later listed as sidelined and missed New Zealand’s final six games.

Tai Webster (17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 29 games) led New Zealand in scoring, while Delany (16.2 points and 6.8 rebounds across 36 games) played every game, was named the Breakers’ club MVP and earned All-NBL Second Team honours. Corey Webster (13.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3 assists across 28 games) battled hand and knee injuries, while Abercrombie (10.6 points and 3.4 rebounds across 27 games) was named the club’s Best Defensive Player and finished runner-up for the Damian Martin Trophy before a hamstring injury ended his season. Iverson (8.8 points and 8.6 rebounds across 36 games) provided New Zealand’s most consistent presence inside, while Abercrombie also passed Kirk Penney as the Breakers’ all-time leader in three-pointers and Mika Vukona as the club’s games record holder.

New Zealand returned home for its final seven games and went 3-4. Loe remained sidelined when the Breakers closed the season against South East Melbourne at Trusts Arena on June 5, where Tai Webster (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Delany (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) led New Zealand, while Keifer Sykes (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) carried the Phoenix to an 83-78 win as the Breakers finished eighth with a 12-24 record.

2021/22
After playing 29 of their 36 games in Australia and finishing eighth with a 12-24 record the previous season, the New Zealand Breakers were again forced to play their entire NBL22 campaign away from home. Corey Webster (to Egypt) was released to continue his career overseas, while Tai Webster (to Lithuania) departed after choosing not to meet the NBL’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

New Zealand added Yanni Wetzell (via South East Melbourne), imports Peyton Siva (via Germany), Hugo Besson (via France) and Jeremiah Martin (via Cleveland), while French prospect Ousmane Dieng (via France) joined through the NBL’s Next Stars program. The Breakers entered the season following a COVID-19 outbreak, with coach Dan Shamir unavailable and captain Thomas Abercrombie sidelined through injury.

New Zealand opened against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on December 4, where Loe (7 points and 5 rebounds) started at centre. Delany (18 points and 9 rebounds) and Siva (11 points and 3 assists) led the Breakers, while Xavier Munford (27 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led the Phoenix to an 89-65 victory.

Loe (4.2 points across 21 games) spent most of the season backing up Wetzell and made seven starts. He did not play against Brisbane on January 9 and did not enter four consecutive games between January 30 and February 14, although no injury or selection reason for those five absences was publicly disclosed. No injury was publicly reported as the reason for any of Loe’s missed games.

Loe was then selected to represent New Zealand during the FIBA World Cup qualifying window in Manila and was unavailable against Melbourne on February 20 and Illawarra on March 1, with the latter absence listed as FIBA duty. He returned against Tasmania at the Silverdome on March 5 and finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block, while Randle (18 points and 4 rebounds) and Dieng (17 points and 9 rebounds) led New Zealand, but MiKyle McIntosh (21 points and 4 rebounds) helped the JackJumpers win 66-62.

Loe’s best game came against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena on April 15, where he made 11 of his 14 field-goal attempts and finished with a career-high 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. Siva (13 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Bach (12 points) provided support, while Josh Adams (23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Tasmania to an 88-86 victory and kept the JackJumpers’ playoff hopes alive.

Wetzell (17.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) led New Zealand in scoring and rebounding and was named club MVP despite being released (to Spain) to join Baskonia before the final two games. Besson (13.9 points and 3.9 rebounds), Siva (11.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 2 steals), Delany (10 points and 5.6 rebounds) and Dieng (8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds) were the team’s other major contributors. Siva’s early hamstring injury resulted in Chasson Randle (via Orlando) joining as an injury replacement, with Martin (12.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals) later released so the Breakers could retain Randle (7.8 points). Besson and Dieng also returned (to France) before the final game to begin preparing for the NBA draft.

With Wetzell, Besson and Dieng unavailable, New Zealand closed the season against Adelaide at MyState Bank Arena on April 24. Loe (9 points and 10 rebounds), Randle (14 points) and Bach (14 points) led the Breakers, while Sunday Dech (19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) led Adelaide to a 93-60 victory as New Zealand suffered its tenth consecutive loss and finished tenth with a franchise-worst 5-23 record.

2021/22
After playing 29 of their 36 games in Australia and finishing eighth with a 12-24 record the previous season, the New Zealand Breakers were again forced to play their entire NBL22 campaign away from home. Corey Webster (to Egypt) was released to continue his career overseas, while Tai Webster (to Lithuania) departed after choosing not to meet the NBL’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

New Zealand added Yanni Wetzell (via South East Melbourne), imports Peyton Siva (via Germany), Hugo Besson (via France) and Jeremiah Martin (via Cleveland), while French prospect Ousmane Dieng (via France) joined through the NBL’s Next Stars program. The Breakers entered the season following a COVID-19 outbreak, with coach Dan Shamir unavailable and captain Thomas Abercrombie sidelined through injury.

New Zealand opened against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on December 4, where Loe (7 points and 5 rebounds) started at centre. Delany (18 points and 9 rebounds) and Siva (11 points and 3 assists) led the Breakers, while Xavier Munford (27 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led the Phoenix to an 89-65 victory.

Loe (4.2 points across 21 games) spent most of the season backing up Wetzell and made seven starts. He did not play against Brisbane on January 9 and did not enter four consecutive games between January 30 and February 14, although no injury or selection reason for those five absences was publicly disclosed. No injury was publicly reported as the reason for any of Loe’s missed games.

Loe was then selected to represent New Zealand during the FIBA World Cup qualifying window in Manila and was unavailable against Melbourne on February 20 and Illawarra on March 1, with the latter absence listed as FIBA duty. He returned against Tasmania at the Silverdome on March 5 and finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block, while Randle (18 points and 4 rebounds) and Dieng (17 points and 9 rebounds) led New Zealand, but MiKyle McIntosh (21 points and 4 rebounds) helped the JackJumpers win 66-62.

Loe’s best game came against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena on April 15, where he made 11 of his 14 field-goal attempts and finished with a career-high 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. Siva (13 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Bach (12 points) provided support, while Josh Adams (23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Tasmania to an 88-86 victory and kept the JackJumpers’ playoff hopes alive.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS
NEW ZEALAND PRESS CONFERENCE

Wetzell (17.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) led New Zealand in scoring and rebounding and was named club MVP despite being released (to Spain) to join Baskonia before the final two games. Besson (13.9 points and 3.9 rebounds), Siva (11.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 2 steals), Delany (10 points and 5.6 rebounds) and Dieng (8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds) were the team’s other major contributors. Siva’s early hamstring injury resulted in Chasson Randle (via Orlando) joining as an injury replacement, with Martin (12.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals) later released so the Breakers could retain Randle (7.8 points). Besson and Dieng also returned (to France) before the final game to begin preparing for the NBA draft.

With Wetzell, Besson and Dieng unavailable, New Zealand closed the season against Adelaide at MyState Bank Arena on April 24. Loe (9 points and 10 rebounds), Randle (14 points) and Bach (14 points) led the Breakers, while Sunday Dech (19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) led Adelaide to a 93-60 victory as New Zealand suffered its tenth consecutive loss and finished tenth with a franchise-worst 5-23 record.

2022/23
After finishing the previous season at the bottom of the ladder with a 5-23 record, New Zealand returned to regular home games for the first time in two years following the departure of head coach Dan Shamir and the promotion of assistant Mody Maor. The Breakers lost six of their top eight scorers, with Yanni Wetzell, Hugo Besson, Peyton Siva (to Illawarra), Finn Delany, Ousmane Dieng and Chasson Randle departing, leaving Thomas Abercrombie, Robert Loe and William McDowell-White as the main returning members of the rotation.

Maor added Tom Vodanovich (via Sydney), Izayah Le’Afa (via South East Melbourne) and Cameron Gliddon (via South East Melbourne), while Jarrell Brantley and Barry Brown Jr joined as imports and French prospect Rayan Rupert was added through the NBL Next Stars program. Abercrombie suffered a torn retina during the preseason and missed the opening month.

Dererk Pardon became the first of New Zealand’s three imports to sign, joining the Breakers on a one-year deal after playing for Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel. “Dererk was our number one target heading into the off-season,” Maor said. “We believe he fits perfectly in the team we are trying to build both as a person and as a player.”

New Zealand opened the season against Melbourne at John Cain Arena on October 2, where Pardon (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Brown Jr (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Breakers, with Le’Afa (13 points and 3 assists) providing further support, but Xavier Rathan-Mayes (33 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Chris Goulding (24 points) carried United to a 101-97 overtime victory.

Pardon (11.8 points and 8.2 rebounds across 35 games) started at centre and became a foundational part of Maor’s team, serving as a pick-and-roll partner for McDowell-White and Le’Afa while providing screening, offensive rebounding and rim protection for the league’s best defence.

New Zealand matched its total number of wins from the previous season within four rounds before defeating Adelaide 99-70 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on October 28. Pardon (6 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) contributed as Brantley (22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) and Brown Jr (22 points and 4 assists) led the Breakers, who forced 18 turnovers and made 15 three-pointers, while Kai Sotto (16 points and 7 rebounds) was Adelaide’s leading scorer.

Two nights later, Pardon (15 points, 14 rebounds, and 1 block) controlled the paint as New Zealand defeated Tasmania 94-62 at Spark Arena, recording its largest victory of the season and biggest win at the venue. Brown Jr (24 points) and McDowell-White (13 points and 7 assists) helped the Breakers move above Sydney into first place, while Milton Doyle (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the JackJumpers.

Pardon continued his strong form against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena on November 18, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds as Le’Afa (17 points and 3 steals) and Brown Jr (16 points and 4 assists) helped New Zealand win 84-76, while2022/23
After finishing the previous season at the bottom of the ladder with a 5-23 record, New Zealand entered its first campaign with regular home games in two years following the departure of head coach Dan Shamir and the promotion of assistant Mody Maor. The Breakers lost six of their top eight scorers, with Yanni Wetzell, Hugo Besson, Peyton Siva (to Illawarra), Finn Delany, Ousmane Dieng and Chasson Randle departing, leaving Thomas Abercrombie, Robert Loe and William McDowell-White as the only returning members of the main rotation.

Maor added Tom Vodanovich (via Sydney), Izayah Le’Afa (via South East Melbourne) and Cameron Gliddon (via South East Melbourne), while imports Dererk Pardon, Jarrell Brantley and Barry Brown Jr were recruited alongside French Next Star Rayan Rupert. Abercrombie suffered a torn retina during the preseason and missed the opening month.

New Zealand opened the season against Melbourne at John Cain Arena on October 2, where Loe (12 points and 4 rebounds) contributed off the bench as Pardon (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Brown Jr (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Breakers, while Xavier Rathan-Mayes (33 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) carried United to a 101-97 overtime victory.

Loe (5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.4 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks across 30 games) remained an experienced frontcourt option for Maor, stretching the floor at centre, setting screens and helping anchor a defence that developed into the best in the league. He made 43.2 per cent of his three-pointers and was voted into the Breakers’ leadership group by his teammates.

“He came in ready to work, buying into his role, buying into what we wanted to do,” Maor said.

Loe’s best scoring game came against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on October 15, where he made seven of 11 field goals and three of five three-pointers to finish with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block as New Zealand defeated the Phoenix 85-77. Le’Afa (14 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals) and Brantley (13 points and 5 rebounds) provided support, while Mitch Creek (20 points and 4 rebounds) led South East Melbourne.

Loe suffered a concussion after a head knock just 54 seconds into New Zealand’s October 30 game against Tasmania, leaving without recording a statistic as Brown Jr (24 points) and Pardon (15 points, 14 rebounds, and 1 block) led the Breakers to their largest victory at Spark Arena, a 94-62 win that moved them above Sydney into first place, while Milton Doyle (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the JackJumpers. The concussion kept Loe out of four of New Zealand’s next five games, with his only appearance during that stretch lasting 1:43 against Adelaide on November 20, before he returned to the regular rotation in December. He dressed but did not enter the December 8 game against Sydney.

A back injury then ruled Loe out against Tasmania on Boxing Day, accounting for the fifth game he missed through injury, before he returned against Perth on January 4.

Loe produced another important performance against Sydney at Spark Arena on January 22, scoring 15 points and grabbing 5 rebounds as New Zealand defeated the defending champions 93-88. Brantley (30 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) and McDowell-White (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists) led the Breakers, while Derrick Walton Jr (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) was Sydney’s best.

Six days later, Loe (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) again provided a major lift from the bench as New Zealand recovered from a slow start with a 19-0 run and defeated Melbourne 80-74 to secure its place in the playoffs. Brantley (18 points and 5 rebounds) and Rupert (12 points) helped complete the comeback, while Rathan-Mayes (15 points and 7 rebounds) led United.

Brown Jr (19.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals across 27 games) and Brantley (16.3 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals across 35 games) carried much of New Zealand’s offence, with Pardon (11.8 points and 8.2 rebounds across 35 games), McDowell-White (10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists across 33 games) and Le’Afa (10.1 points across 34 games) providing further support. Rupert (5.9 points across 28 games) returned after missing two months with a broken wrist, while Abercrombie (5.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 27 games) returned from his eye injury and continued to provide leadership and defence.

Brown Jr and Pardon were named to the All-NBL Second Team, Brown Jr also received the NBL Best Sixth Man award and Brantley was named the Breakers’ club MVP. New Zealand won its final two regular-season games against Illawarra and Brisbane to finish second with an 18-10 record, securing its first playoff appearance in five years.

Tasmania defeated Cairns 87-79 in the play-in tournament to set up a best-of-three semifinal series against New Zealand.

New Zealand opened the semifinals at Spark Arena with an 88-68 win over Tasmania, where Loe (4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) contributed from the bench as Pardon (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and McDowell-White (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Breakers, while Rashard Kelly (12 points and 4 rebounds) was Tasmania’s leading scorer.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Loe (1 rebound) played eight minutes as Tasmania defeated New Zealand 89-78 behind Doyle (23 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Jack McVeigh (16 points), while Brantley (17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) and Pardon (15 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals) led the Breakers.

The deciding game returned to Spark Arena, where Loe (11 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) helped New Zealand defeat Tasmania 92-77 and reach its first Championship Series since 2016. Brown Jr (32 points and 3 steals) and Pardon (15 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Breakers, while McVeigh (22 points and 7 rebounds) and Kelly (16 points and 4 rebounds) were Tasmania’s best.

The Championship Series opened at Qudos Bank Arena, where Loe (7 points and 5 rebounds) contributed off the bench as McDowell-White (19 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Brown Jr (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Brantley (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led New Zealand to a 95-87 win over Sydney, while Justin Simon (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led the Kings and Walton Jr was forced from the game with a leg injury.

Game two moved to Spark Arena, where Loe (4 rebounds) played seven minutes as Sydney levelled the series with an 81-74 victory despite Walton Jr lasting only 4:50 because of his leg injury. Brown Jr (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals), Brantley (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Le’Afa (14 points) led New Zealand, while Kouat Noi (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals), Dejan Vasiljevic (16 points and 4 rebounds) and Simon (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals) carried the Kings.

Sydney regained the series lead at Qudos Bank Arena with a 91-68 game-three victory in front of an NBL record crowd of 18,049, despite Loe (7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) providing one of New Zealand’s stronger performances. McDowell-White (11 points and 6 rebounds) led the Breakers, while Vasiljevic (15 points and 4 rebounds), Tim Soares (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Simon (13 points, 6 assists, and 2 blocks) and Walton Jr (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) led Sydney, with Xavier Cooks (10 points and 8 rebounds) playing after agreeing to join the Washington Wizards.

New Zealand forced a deciding game with an 80-70 victory at Spark Arena, where Loe (2 points and 6 rebounds) helped the Breakers control the boards as Brantley (23 points and 5 rebounds), Brown Jr (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McDowell-White (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the offence. Abercrombie also recorded 6 steals, while Walton Jr (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) was Sydney’s leading scorer.

The deciding game returned to Qudos Bank Arena, where New Zealand led by 11 points during the opening quarter and again held the advantage late before Sydney completed a 14-0 run and won 77-69 in front of another record crowd of 18,124. Brown Jr (22 points and 4 rebounds), Brantley (16 points and 4 rebounds) and McDowell-White (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Breakers, while Walton Jr (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Cooks (19 points and 11 rebounds) delivered Sydney its second consecutive championship. Walton Jr was named Grand Final MVP, while Loe finished with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block as the five-game series drew 67,811 fans.

Loe would retire from NBL basketball at the end of the season.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2023/24
After a challenging season, United sought to rebuild by bringing back former starters Jo Lual-Acuil, who had been playing in China, and Matthew Dellavedova, who returned from the NBA. They also added NBA prospect Luke Travers to form a roster resembling the 2022 team that came close to reaching the Grand Final.

United aimed for stability, signing Ian Clark (via Adelaide) as their primary import to bolster bench scoring, a role previously held by Scotty Hopson. Promising players Tanner Krebs (from Brisbane), Kyle Bowen, and Flynn Cameron joined the team. In an unexpected move, Rob Loe signed on as a replacement for Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who was sidelined with a wrist injury, just one month after Loe had announced his NBL retirement.

“I’d only been retired a few weeks, but when Dean reached out about stepping in for Jo to start the season, it was a tempting offer,” Loe said upon joining United.

“Helping a successful club strive towards its goals while keeping my basketball journey alive was something I couldn’t pass up.”

Loe appeared in eight games for United as their Nominated Replacement Player, averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in under 15 minutes per game. With Loe in the rotation, United posted an impressive 7-1 record.

Melbourne advanced to the Grand Final series, ultimately falling to Tasmania in a hard-fought five-game series.

2024/25
Melbourne reshaped its frontcourt and wing rotation after falling one victory short of the championship, with Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (to Liaoning), Luke Travers (to Cleveland), Ariel Hukporti (to New York), Zac Triplett (to Illawarra), Malith Machar (to Sandringham) and Brad Newley (retired) exiting the club.

Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Ian Clark, Flynn Cameron, Tanner Krebs and Kyle Bowen returned, while coach Dean Vickerman retained Rob Loe (via Auckland) and added Jack White (via Memphis), Marcus Lee (via Tasmania), Akech Aliir (via Adelaide) and development player Joel Foxwell (via Sandringham).

Melbourne opened the season at HoopsFest with an 88-79 win over defending champion Tasmania, where the returning centre (7 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) scored United’s opening points on a putback and helped control the frontcourt alongside Dellavedova (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists), White (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Ili (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists), while Milton Doyle (23 points and 4 steals) led the JackJumpers.

Loe (10 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks across 29 games) started 27 games and gave Melbourne a floor-spacing centre who could make quick reads, hold his position defensively and open driving lanes for the team’s guards.

After returning midway through NBL24 following a brief retirement, Loe signed a one-year contract to continue under Vickerman.

“During his time with us, Rob demonstrated elite qualities across the board,” Vickerman commented on Loe’s signing.

“His high basketball IQ, defensive skills within our structure, playmaking, and his shooting ability make him a standout contributor.”

Before returning to Melbourne, he helped Auckland reach the 2024 NZNBL Grand Final and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, selected to the All-Star Five and awarded the Stan Hill Trophy as the competition’s leading New Zealand forward or centre.

His best game of the season came in Brisbane on 7 November, where Loe (30 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) made six three-pointers and registered the first 30-point game of his NBL career as Melbourne defeated the Bullets 120-103. Goulding (21 points), Clark (18 points) and White (17 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 assists) supported him, while Keandre Cook (23 points and 5 assists), Casey Prather (21 points and 8 rebounds) and Josh Bannan (17 points and 6 rebounds) led Brisbane.

“Davo just saying I should probably win MVP to be honest” 🏆

Matthew Dellavedova on Rob Loe’s career-high 30 points in Melbourne United’s win over the Brisbane Bullets. #NBL25 pic.twitter.com/GnZUlh7Fag

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) November 7, 2024

Loe remained in strong form against New Zealand on 5 December, scoring 25 points with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block as United defeated the Breakers 97-70. White (16 points and 10 rebounds), Dellavedova (10 points and 7 assists) and Ili (10 points and 6 assists) provided support, while Sam Mennenga (17 points) and Matt Mooney (17 points) led New Zealand.

Three days later, Loe (19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) again took on a larger offensive role with Goulding unavailable as Melbourne fell to Brisbane 122-114. Clark (24 points), White (21 points and 10 rebounds), Dellavedova (18 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals) and Ili (18 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) kept United close, while Prather (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists), Cook (27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Tyrell Harrison (25 points and 6 rebounds) and James Batemon (25 points and 4 assists) led the Bullets.

Loe played his 200th NBL game against South East Melbourne on 15 December, finishing with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists while also throwing down a poster dunk during United’s 109-97 loss.

One of his strongest all-round performances came in Sydney on 9 January, where Loe (15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) helped Melbourne defeat the Kings 90-88. White (23 points and 10 rebounds) finished Dellavedova’s game-winning alley-oop, while Ili (20 points and 5 assists) also starred and Xavier Cooks (21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) led Sydney.

Loe (12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) also helped Melbourne defeat Tasmania 94-92 on 1 February, with his late-season impact contributing to United’s push towards the playoffs.

Melbourne closed the regular season with a 103-93 Throwdown victory over South East Melbourne, where Loe (5 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) helped United control the glass as Ili (18 points), Krebs (16 points and 3 steals), Bowen (15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) and Dellavedova (14 points and 6 assists) led the scoring. The victory completed four consecutive wins and secured second place with a 19-10 record and direct entry into the semifinals.

Goulding (18.4 points across 25 games) led Melbourne offensively, with White (13.8 points and 9.4 rebounds across 27 games), Clark (12.7 points across 28 games), Ili (11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals across 26 games), Dellavedova (10.9 points and 7.1 assists across 27 games) and Lee (6.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 26 games) forming United’s other main contributors.

Goulding was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and received Melbourne’s club MVP award, while Ili won the Damian Martin Trophy as the NBL’s Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Melbourne opened its semifinal series against Perth at John Cain Arena with a 105-93 win behind Goulding (41 points), Clark (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists), White (13 points and 10 rebounds) and Lee (10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks), with Loe (5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) helping United stretch Perth’s frontcourt away from the basket. Keanu Pinder (24 points and 11 rebounds), Bryce Cotton (22 points and 6 assists) and Kristian Doolittle (22 points and 9 rebounds) led the Wildcats.

Game two moved to Perth, where the Wildcats recovered from a 20-point deficit to win 96-89 behind Dylan Windler (27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks), Cotton (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Doolittle (17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists). Goulding (15 points), Dellavedova (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists), White (13 points and 6 rebounds), Clark (13 points) and Loe (7 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) led Melbourne.

The deciding third game returned to Melbourne and required overtime, with Clark (38 points and 6 three-pointers), Goulding (30 points and 9 three-pointers), White (15 points and 9 rebounds) and Dellavedova (10 points and 11 assists) leading United to a 113-112 victory. Doolittle (37 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists), Cotton (33 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Pinder (15 points and 5 rebounds) led Perth, while Loe (2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) received the final inbound pass before moving the ball to Dellavedova, who found Goulding underneath the basket for the game-winning free throw.

The Championship Series opened in Wollongong, where Melbourne recovered from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Illawarra 96-88. Dellavedova (18 points and 7 rebounds), Goulding (15 points and 4 assists), Lee (14 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Clark (13 points and 4 assists) and Ili (13 points and 4 assists) led United, with Loe (2 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 block) helping connect Melbourne’s offence, while Sam Froling (16 points and 7 rebounds), Will Hickey (14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals), Todd Blanchfield (13 points) and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (11 points and 2 steals) led the Hawks.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Illawarra tied the series with a 102-100 win. Tyler Harvey (24 points) hit the game-winning three-pointer alongside Froling (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), Trey Kell III (18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) and Swaka Lo Buluk (12 points), while Clark (31 points), Goulding (17 points), Dellavedova (14 points and 5 assists), Krebs (12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Loe (5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Melbourne.

Game three returned to Wollongong, where Melbourne erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit with a 20-4 run to win 83-77. White (20 points and 5 rebounds), Clark (16 points and 7 rebounds), Dellavedova (16 points and 11 assists) and Goulding (14 points and 3 steals) led United, while Loe (3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) contributed from the bench and Hyunjung Lee (12 points), Hickey (12 points), Darius Days (11 points), Kell III (10 points and 8 rebounds) and Swaka Lo Buluk (10 points) led Illawarra.

Illawarra kept the series alive in game four with an 80-71 win at John Cain Arena behind Hickey (22 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Lachlan Olbrich (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists), Harvey (12 points and 4 rebounds) and Days (9 points and 11 rebounds). Dellavedova (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists), Goulding (17 points and 5 rebounds), Clark (16 points and 2 steals) and Loe (6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block) led Melbourne, while Froling left the game after rupturing his Achilles.

The final game returned to Wollongong, where Illawarra defeated Melbourne 114-104 to win the championship behind Kell III (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists), Hickey (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists), Harvey (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Swaka Lo Buluk (16 points). Dellavedova was awarded the Larry Sengstock Trophy despite the loss before handing it to Hickey, while Goulding (21 points and 2 blocks), Ili (20 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals), White (17 points and 7 rebounds), Clark (15 points and 4 rebounds) and Loe (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) led Melbourne.

2025/26
Following a 10-19 season that left New Zealand ninth and outside the playoffs, the Breakers entered 2025/26 without Matt Mooney, Mojave King, Grant Anticevich, Jonah Bolden (to Illawarra), Tai Wynyard and Tacko Fall (to Nanjing), while Dane Pineau and Mitch McCarron retired. Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Sam Mennenga, Karim Lopez, Carlin Davison, Max Darling and Sean Bairstow remained from the previous season’s main rotation.

Coach Petteri Koponen returned for a second season and reshaped the roster around a stronger New Zealand core, recruiting Reuben Te Rangi (via Tasmania), Izayah Le’Afa (via Sydney), Taylor Britt (via Canterbury), Rob Loe (via Melbourne), imports Izaiah Brockington (via Vancouver) and Rob Baker II (via Berlin).

The one-year agreement returned Loe to New Zealand for a third stint with the club after two seasons with Melbourne, having first played for the Breakers from 2016 to 2018 before returning between 2019 and 2023.

New Zealand opened the season at Spark Arena on September 19, where Loe (3 points and 3 rebounds) contributed off the bench in a 104-95 loss to Brisbane, with Jackson-Cartwright (16 points and 12 assists) and Brockington (16 points) leading the Breakers while Casey Prather (27 points) starred for the Bullets.

Loe (4.8 points and 2.7 rebounds across 30 games) started six games and gave New Zealand an experienced floor-spacing centre who could screen, make quick reads, hold his position defensively and connect the team’s offence across the frontcourt. During November, he became the 18th player in franchise history to score 1,000 points for the Breakers.

His best scoring game came in Adelaide on February 14, where Loe (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) made four of five three-pointers as New Zealand surrendered a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in a 92-89 loss that ended its playoff hopes, with Jackson-Cartwright (25 points and 7 assists) and Brockington (19 points and 4 assists) leading the Breakers while Bryce Cotton (42 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) carried Adelaide. Loe’s best all-round performance came against former team Melbourne, where Loe (10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) made two three-pointers and produced season highs in assists and steals while providing an experienced presence at both ends of the floor.

After Le’Afa (3.5 points across 15 games) suffered a season-ending foot fracture, New Zealand added Tai Webster (via France), while Baker II (10 points and 4.8 rebounds across 25 games) ruptured the ACL in his right knee in January, creating a larger frontcourt role for Loe during the final month.

Jackson-Cartwright (17.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.8 steals across 34 games) and Mennenga (17.8 points and 6.8 rebounds across 28 games) led New Zealand offensively, with Brockington (16.1 points and 3.8 rebounds across 33 games), Lopez (11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 31 games) and Te Rangi (6.8 points across 34 games) providing further support. Jackson-Cartwright received the club MVP and Members’ Choice awards, Brockington was named Defensive Player of the Year and Mennenga won the NBL’s Next Generation Award. New Zealand finished seventh with a 13-20 record and missed the NBL postseason, but its 3-1 Ignite Cup record earned the Breakers a place in the inaugural final against Adelaide on the Gold Coast.

The Ignite Cup Final was played at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on February 22, where Loe (4 points) contributed off the bench as Jackson-Cartwright (29 points and 5 assists), Mennenga (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Brockington (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) led New Zealand, while Bryce Cotton (34 points and 9 assists), Zylan Cheatham (21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals) and Nick Rakocevic (21 points and 11 rebounds) were Adelaide’s best, with Jackson-Cartwright named Ignite Cup MVP as the Breakers won 111-107 to claim the inaugural Ignite Cup and $300,000.Robert Loe currently plays for the New Zealand Breakers and has played 238 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 6.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists since entering the league in 2016.

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