Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Parker Jackson-Cartwright has confirmed a one-season NBL extension with the New Zealand Breakers, saying he has fallen in love with Aotearoa.
The quicksilver point guard, known for his strategic prowess, joins a small list of import players to played beyond their first season.
The others are Mike Chappell, Rick Rickert, Gary Wilkinson and three-time NBL champion Cedric Jackson.
"I took great pride in wearing the number six jersey for the Breakers last season," Jackson-Cartwright said from his home in Los Angeles.
"I loved living in Auckland, and there's nothing like wearing the Breakers' pink at Spark Arena; it's really special.
"This club has won multiple championships and when you bring a guy back like myself and you build a team, you think 'championship'. That's why you sign. You sign to be part of something bigger than yourself."
Head coach Mody Maor said he was initially surprised when the 27-year-old agreed to return.
"Two weeks ago, when I was asked about the chances of Parker returning, I answered 'less than one percent,'" Maor said.
"From a basketball standpoint, this is as close to a home run as it gets. Our ownership group felt the connection between Parker and the community and went above and beyond to bring him back for our fans.
"Thanks to their vision, I am now able to build a team around the player who was one of three finalists for NBL League MVP last month."
Jackson-Cartwright posted impressive numbers, averaging 20.6 points, 5.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals over 30 games.
Alongside Breakers' teammate Anthony Lamb, he made the All-NBL First Team, cementing his name alongside some of the club's greats to achieve the prestigious honour.