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<\/p>\nParker Jackson-Cartwright has established himself as one of the NBL\u2019s brightest stars and now a significant off-court development could shape both his future and the New Zealand Breakers\u2019 long-term outlook.<\/p>\n
Former Basketball New Zealand CEO and current Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher has revealed to Fox Sports Australia early conversations have begun around Jackson-Cartwright\u2019s potential pathway to New Zealand citizenship.<\/p>\n
The move would greatly increase roster flexibility for the Breakers, while also making Jackson-Cartwright eligible to play for the Tall Blacks.<\/p>\n
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Watch live coverage of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n Across his 99-game NBL career, Jackson-Cartwright is averaging 19.3 points, 6.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, shooting 47 per cent from the field.<\/p>\n His production, consistency and leadership have firmly placed him among the league\u2019s elite.<\/p>\n \u201cHe definitely sees this as his home \u2013 a home away from home,\u201d Boucher said of Jackson-Cartwright\u2019s love for New Zealand.<\/p>\n Boucher understands the significance of representing both the Breakers and the Tall Blacks better than most. A club legend with his jersey retired in Auckland, he also represented New Zealand on the international stage across multiple campaigns, giving him a unique perspective on what Jackson-Cartwright\u2019s interest could mean.<\/p>\n Bryce Cotton\u2019s recent naturalisation has prompted further NBL discussions around citizenship, including Boucher and Jackson-Cartwright beginning conversations around what a similar process might look like in New Zealand.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked, is that something that he\u2019d be interested in? And he said \u2018absolutely. I\u2019d love to explore what that looks like\u2019,\u201d Boucher said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe loves Auckland. He loves New Zealand. He loves being here. The fans love him.\u201d<\/p>\n Parker Jackson Cartwright is currently in his third season for the New Zealand Breakers.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n The pathway to New Zealand citizenship, however, is far from simple. Applicants must live in the country as a resident for at least five years, be physically present in New Zealand for a minimum of 1,350 days across that period, demonstrate an intention to remain in the country long-term and meet English language requirements.<\/p>\n Jackson-Cartwright has spent the past three NBL seasons living in New Zealand, and the idea of future eligibility was first floated while Boucher was still with Basketball New Zealand.<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking in my mind, Parker\u2019s been here three years and another couple of years he\u2019ll be able to apply for citizenship,\u201d Boucher said.<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s very difficult to get in New Zealand and I think you have to be in the country for five years to be able to apply for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Should Jackson-Cartwright eventually become naturalised, he would be classified as a local player under NBL rules \u2013 a development that would significantly increase roster flexibility for the Breakers. The impact of that flexibility has already been seen in Adelaide following Bryce Cotton\u2019s naturalisation, allowing the 36ers to build a deeper, more balanced roster around their imports and local core.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/p>\n \u2018You can\u2019t do that\u2019: Star import sent to tribunal as Aussie legend slams ugly act \u2014 NBL Daily<\/a><\/p>\n