By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
New Zealand big man Yanni Wetzell became a member of Bitci Baskonia following his release from the New Zealand Breakers also known as the Sky Sport Breakers, the NBL team announced Friday. The ACB outfit later confirmed his addition on a contract until the end of the 2022-23 season.
“The opportunity to play in the EuroLeague has been a goal of mine since I was at school; it has just come earlier than I expected,” he mentioned, per the Breakers press release, “I want to thank Matt Walsh and the Breakers for their incredible support and what I’ve learnt in my season with the club. This opportunity would not have presented itself without the unwavering energy the Breakers coaching staff have put into my game. I am a Breaker for life.”
Wetzell, 25, turned pro in 2020-21 following a stint in the NCAA split between St. Mary’s, Vanderbilt, and San Diego State. After one season in South East Melbourne Phoenix, he joined the Breakers. Producing 17.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per NBL contest paint the picture of his 2021-22 campaign so far.
“Yanni’s development this year has been amazing. This is an amazing opportunity that Yanni has earned, and we are excited to watch his career grow,” explained team owner Matt Walsh, a former player himself with plenty of experience all around Europe, including Spain’s ACB.
Completed its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague schedule, Baskonia has focused on the ACB for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign. The 16-12 W-L tally is currently good enough for the seventh place with six games left in the Regular Season. The top eight teams will advance to the Playoffs.
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