{"id":34403,"date":"2023-04-07T08:43:04","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T22:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/?p=34403"},"modified":"2023-04-07T08:43:06","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T22:43:06","slug":"mcdowell-white-stays-put-while-big-men-make-moves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/mcdowell-white-stays-put-while-big-men-make-moves\/","title":{"rendered":"McDowell-White stays put while big men make moves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THE NBL free agency period has seen some big moves over the past few days, but for the New Zealand Breakers<\/a>, the less moving, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Breakers were eager to retain the services of young gun William McDowell-White<\/a>, but there was plenty of interest with the likes of the Perth Wildcats<\/a> and the Brisbane Bullets<\/a> extremely keen on the services of one of Australia’s best guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having fully emerged as a star of the competition over the past couple of years, McDowell-White had his pick of the litter coming into free agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Breakers breathed a sigh of relief by signing the guard to a two-year deal earlier this week, signalling their intentions to look to go one step further than their recent appearance in the Championship series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wildcats added Keanu Pinder<\/a> alongside Bryce Cotton<\/a>, and were extremely eager to form a big three with McDowell-White, but lost out to New Zealand, who shot from the bottom of the table to one win away from the ultimate prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Breakers will now be looking internationally, to try and either bring back the likes of Barry Brown Jr.<\/a> or Dererk Pardon<\/a>, or try and bring in some different talent as imports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Melbourne United<\/a> took a big hit, losing two of their big men in the space of a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wildcats acquired the services of David Okwera<\/a>, who showed strong potential early in the season for United, and should continue to develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also opting for a change of colours was Mason Peatling<\/a>, with the forward heading north-east to join the Illawarra Hawks<\/a>. With a slim number of contracted players entering free agency, Peatling will be the first of a few additions for the Hawks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Adelaide 36ers<\/a> have added the services of guard Jason Cadee<\/a>, who joins the team after a five-year stint with the Bullets. Cadee previously played for the 36ers between 2012 and 2014, and will bring a strong scoring capability to an Adelaide team that struggled with its ability to generate offence at times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet to put pen to paper are Luke Travers<\/a> and Milton Doyle<\/a>, both of whom are coming off strong campaigns with their respective sides. Travers has informed Perth of his desire to find a new landing spot, having developed in a big way during his time with the Wildcats. He likely has a number of suitors in waiting. Tasmania JackJumpers<\/a> coach Scott Roth <\/em><\/strong>has been bullish about his side’s ability to re-sign Doyle, but the talented import is yet to recommit to the team, likely considering offers both internationally and domestically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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