Sport

Webster's NBA dream over

10:42 am on 16 October 2015

Webster has missed out on a place with the New Orleans Pelicans, with the NBA franchise letting him go following a training camp.

The 26-year-old New Zealand guard appeared in three preseason games for the Pelicans, averaging 1.3 points and 2 assists per game.

Corey Webster on court for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Atlanta Hawks. Photo: Getty Images

He'll now head home to the Breakers, who will welcome him back with opening arms after the defending champions slow start to the NBL season.

Webster was always an outside chance to make the Pelicans' final roster, but did impress coaches during his short stint with the American team.

Webster said that his time with the Pelicans was invaluable.

"Can't trade the experience, A whole lot of gasoline for a burning fire. The dream lives on!" he said.

"I have enjoyed my time over here immensely, every minute has been living the dream of one day playing in the NBA, I have had a taste and I have got close enough to know that this is what I want to do, this is not the end of the journey for me.

"But I will reset my goals and one of them is returning home to the Breakers and having a great season for them. I am on the radar of a number of NBA clubs and scouts now and I need to build on this with a great season for the Breakers to help the club and to help achieve my own goals."

"I want to say thank you to everyone at the Pelicans for the way they have opened their doors to me these past few weeks. I have learned so much and felt like I belonged there, one day I hope to return and secure that NBA deal that I have dreamed about since I was a youngster. Now though it is time to get back to work with the Breakers."

The Breakers chief executive Richard Clarke said Webster's near miss will only spur the shooting guard on to bigger and better things.

"For now we are looking forward to Corey returning on the weekend, once he gets back and the team returns from Perth we will have some decisions to make around the roster, notably with Everard (Bartlett) who is covering Corey. Those decisions will be made after meeting with the coaching staff and talking through all options with them and Everard but we have a number of things to consider."

Clarke says that subject to all the necessary clearances coming through in time, Webster will likely suit up for the club in their next home game on Wednesday night at the North Shore Events Centre against the Sydney Kings.