Breakers coach Mody Maor is leaving New Zealand's Australian NBL franchise to head to Asia for a new coaching opportunity.
The Breakers had agreed to release the coach after Maor expressed his desire to leave the club despite him still having one year left on his contract.
"I'm really going to miss it and miss you all,” said Maor.
38-year-old Maor said it will be an adjustment moving to Asia given what Auckland means to him - both his young daughters were born in the city.
"To our fans, I am forever grateful for your love and support; we have shared some of the most memorable moments of my life together. There's no more remarkable experience than a game day at Spark Arena.”
Maor guided the Breakers to the playoffs in both his seasons at the club.
This departure has come at a shock for the Breakers who will now have to search for a new coach, just a few months out from pre-season.
"I have spoken to all the players, and they are confident, as I am, that management will put an incredible coach in place."
Maor was in the process of building his roster for the 2024-25 NBL season with star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright re-signing and young talent Mojave King signing on.
ESPN reports that Maor is heading to Japan to become the head coach of Nagasaki Velca in Japan's B.League on a two-year deal.
Breakers chief executive Lisa Edser said they have plenty of time to find a replacement.
"There are many great candidates, and we will take the time we have to identify the right person to lead the team forward to give us the best opportunity to win the championship next season,” said Edser.
She thanked Maor for his contribution to the team.
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