{"id":345457,"date":"2026-03-24T14:37:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/345457\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T14:37:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:37:13","slug":"new-zealand-make-free-agency-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/345457\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand make Free Agency statement"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New Zealand Breakers have made a huge statement heading into the NBL26 off-season by re-signing star big man Sam Mennenga on a two-year deal.<\/p>\n

Mennenga, 24, enters the new deal off the back of a career-defining NBL26 season, which saw him take out the 2025-26 NBL Next Generation award.<\/p>\n

Despite a mid-season wrist injury, the Tall Blacks international established himself as an elite frontcourt force, averaging a career-high 17.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n

His season was highlighted by a 32-point performance against the Cairns Taipans in February and a pivotal 21-point showing to lead the Breakers to the inaugural Ignite Cup title.<\/p>\n

“Sam has proven himself to be one of the premier big men in this league,” said Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher.<\/p>\n

“His growth over the last 12 months, from his time with the LA Lakers in NBA Summer League to becoming a focal point of our offence, has been remarkable.”<\/p>\n

Mennenga joins Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Reuben Te Rangi, Izayah Le\u2019Afa, Max Darling (club option) and Taylor Britt (club option) under contract for the Breakers next season.<\/p>\n

“Sam is a cornerstone of our Kiwi identity, and keeping him in Auckland was our top priority,” said Breakers Chairman and Owner, Marc Mitchell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to keep local talent of Sam\u2019s calibre playing for New Zealand\u2019s team and are excited that he will be a Breaker for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

>> Championship Series schedule, tickets & how to watch<\/a><\/p>\n

The re-signing comes as Mennenga continues to shine on the international stage, recently recording a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double for the Tall Blacks in their victory over the Philippines.<\/p>\n

Boucher noted that the signature of Mennenga, who is currently playing with the Chinese side Xinjiang Flying Tigers, is a key piece of the roster puzzle for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n

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