Three-time Australian National Basketball League Champions the New Zealand Breakers return to Hamilton’s Claudelands Arena this spring.

The Breakers, who have won three consecutive Australia National Basketball League titles, will play Chinese team Dongguan Leopards at Claudelands on October 1, the second game of a three-match pre-season series.

It is the third time the Breakers have played a pre-season match at Claudelands Arena and represents a homecoming for former Hamilton Boys High School student Alex Pledger.

“Hamilton is my home town and Claudelands Arena is a great venue for me to play in front of family, friends and local fans. It’s going to be very exciting, very cool,” says the two-metre tall centre.

Breakers coach Dean Vickerman, a former Hamiltonian, will also be making a homecoming.

Hamilton City’s Event Facilities Director of Business Development and Marketing Murray Jeffrey says: “We are excited to welcome back the SkyCity Breakers for the third year in a row.

“To be playing the Donnguan Leopards from China adds to the excitement, as NBL star Jeremy Lin previously played for this team and it is coached by renowned Australian professional basketball coach, Brian Goorjian.

“To experience international basketball in the superb Claudelands Arena is a great opportunity for local sports fans to show their support and to put the city in line for future high profile events.”

Tickets for the match have gone on sale today, and can be purchased from ticketek.co.nz and 0800 TICKETEK.