Gary is Back in Town

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It was announced last night that Breakers legend Gary Wilkinson has been re signed with the club in place for import Darnell Lazare who has been "let go" by the club after a sluggish start to there title defence with 3 straight losses. 

Gary "Big Red" Wilkinson's return also sees the departure of journeyman Jeremiah Trueman due to the competitions player scoring system. Wilkinson is a 10 point player, while Lazare is only a 9 point player causing both to be shown the door. Its certainly not the way any club wants to start the season and dropping players from the roster would not be something the coaches and organisation would have done lightly. 

Wilkinson was previously with the Auckland-based club for the first two premiership titles and was a crowd favourite, wearing his heart on his sleeve and loudly and proudly celebrating clutch points with the crowd. Something that perhaps has been lacking since the start of the season.

It's his well rounded game that has been lacking early this season for the club and his return will certainly make a difference both on and off the court. Not only bringing in a player of his calibre is huge but his previous Breakers experience will ensure his transition is as seamless as possible. There is no better replacement than a player that enjoys and understands the clubs proud history and team culture. 

In his 2 seasons with the Breakers, Wilkinson averaged 16 points and 5.7 rebounds, compared to Lazare averaging just 4.5 points and 4.7 rebounds across the first 4 games. Not much of a thinker really, however the question must now be asked if Wilkinson will step into the pressure to perform after his abrupt arrival.

As a die hard Breakers fan I am thrilled to see Gary back for the club and was quite shocked when I heard the news yesterday that he was returning, my jaw was firmly on the floor. He was due to arrive back in the country this morning and will be available to face Adelaide on Thursday night, a game that now will bring a bit more interest and one the Breakers will need to win to get there season back on track. 

What do you think of Gary's return?