NZ Breakers trio up for ANBL awards
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Three NZ Breakers players have been recognised among Australasia basketball’s elite, earning nominations for major honours for the upcoming 2025-26 ANBL Awards.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Melbourne on February 23, following the Ignite Cup final between the Breakers and Adelaide 36ers the previous night.
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Headlining the nominations is superstar guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who is a finalist for the prestigious Andrew Gaze Trophy (Most Valuable Player).
A driving force for the side all season as well as being a co-captain, Jackson-Cartwright has delivered combined explosive scoring with elite playmaking and leadership.
However, he is up against some huge names such as Zylan Cheatham (Adelaide), Xavier Cooks (Sydney), Bryce Cotton (Adelaide), JaVale McGee (Illawarra), Jack McVeigh (Cairns) and Nathan Sobey (South East Melbourne).
Tall Blacks forward Sam Mennenga has earned dual recognition for his breakout season. He has been nominated for both the Most Improved Player Award and the Next Generation Award.
Mennenga has become an offensive weapon for the club this season, elevating his production on both ends of the floor. His physicality, improved shooting efficiency, and defensive versatility have transformed him into a nightly matchup problem for opponents.
Joining Mennenga as a finalist for the Next Generation Award is Breakers teen Karim López.
The 18-year-old Mexican is projected as a likely top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
His nomination caps off a season defined by rapid improvement and on-court maturity. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill has seen him dominate stretches of play.
ANBL AWARDS NOMINATIONS
Andrew Gaze Trophy for Most Valuable Player
John Brown III (South East Melbourne), Zylan Cheatham (Adelaide), Xavier Cooks (Sydney), Bryce Cotton (Adelaide), Kendric Davis (Sydney), Kristian Doolittle (Perth), Bryce Hamilton (Tasmania), Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand), JaVale McGee (Illawarra), Jack McVeigh (Cairns), Nathan Sobey (South East Melbourne)
Most Improved Player
Josh Bannan (Tasmania), Flynn Cameron (Adelaide), Owen Foxwell (South East Melbourne), Makuach Maluach (Sydney), Nick Marshall (Tasmania), Sam Mennenga (New Zealand)
Next Generation Award
Owen Foxwell (South East Melbourne), Jaylin Galloway (Sydney), Ben Henshall (Perth), Karim Lopez (New Zealand), Sam Mennenga (New Zealand)