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Brockington warning as Breakers star sweats on injury
Shayne Hope, AAP • September 4th, 2025 12:29 pm
Izaiah Brockington | Photo: AAP
New Zealand star Parker Jackson-Cartwright has warned rivals they've only seen a glimpse of what boom recruit Izaiah Brockington will produce in the NBL this season.
Brockington took the competition by storm at the Blitz pre-season tournament in Canberra, claiming the Ray Borner Medal as MVP.
The former G League gun averaged 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists and 2.5 steals as the unbeaten Breakers claimed the Loggins-Bruton Cup for the first time.
And Jackson-Cartwright insists it's just the tip of the iceberg.
"He won the MVP the other night and I'll tell you he didn't even shoot it well," Jackson-Cartwright told AAP.
"He's a good shooter and when he starts making shots, along with his athleticism, he's going to be … I don't know man.
"You see it. He's a first-teamer (All-NBL)."
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Jackson-Cartwright will partner his fellow American guard in a revamped back-court as the Breakers seek drastic improvement under second-year coach Petteri Koponen, after finishing second-from-bottom last season with a 10-19 record.
"I haven't really played with a dynamic, strong, physical guard like Brock. It's going to be interesting," Jackson-Cartwright said.
"In practice it's different and it looked like he was getting better but finding his way, then in the Blitz he just unleashed everything that he's about.
"The guy's a true gamer, a true professional and he loves to hoop. He has this bounce, like, every play he's ready to go."
Jackson-Cartwright combined well with Brockington in New Zealand's first-up win over South East Melbourne at the Blitz, but played less than four minutes against Sydney because of a rib injury.
The setback took some of the shine off the Breakers' victory, and came after Jackson-Cartwright missed the final eight games last season with significant rib cartilage damage.
"It's definitely not as strenuous. It's the same area on the other side," Jackson-Cartwright said.
"Last season when I got hit I couldn't even walk, so this is definitely different and I'm in much better spirits."
Despite his latest injury concern, Jackson-Cartwright is eyeing a role in the Breakers' regular-season opener against the Brisbane Bullets on September 19.
"I'm just trying to get through it," he said.
"Basketball is physical and for me, I'm taking hits every play.
"I'm definitely getting better and it's good that it happened now so hopefully I don't have to deal with it throughout the season."
Jackson-Cartwright is bullish about New Zealand's prospects this season after winning the Blitz while missing Next Star Karim Lopez, import forward Robert Baker II and returning veteran Rob Loe.
"It doesn't really mean anything the grand scheme but it means a lot to the team," Jackson-Cartwright said of the pre-season success.
"Two or three weeks together and we don't really have our full squad, so it's a good accomplishment.
"We definitely have a good foundation set and I like the direction we're headed.
"Anybody can win it all."
