September 27, 2024 • 6 mins
Breakers centre Freddie Gillespie is relishing the competitive nature of his positional group ahead of Sunday's NBL basketball home opener against the Southeast Melbourne Phoenix in Auckland.
Fellow big men Sam Mennenga and Dane Pineau stepped up in the absence of the American during last week's win over the Brisbane Bullets, with the import out due to suspension.
Mennenga led the way with 22 points and 7 rebounds in the victory and Gillespie is far from surprised.
D'Arcy catches up with Freddie Gillespie ahead of their round two clash.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the All Sport Breakfast podcast with Darcy
Wildegrave from News Talk SEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
We're talking hoops on the program now. It's all about
the Breakers and they have started their assault on the
AMBL title. Started last week at the Hoops Fest when
they managed to get one over Barrisban. It nearly fell
apart toward the very end, but that's okay. They got
the w and now they are home tomorrow at seven
thirty up against the Phoenix in Auckland City. And we're
(00:34):
joined by Freddy Gillispie, the center, one of the new
boys on the block for the Breakers, unfortunately didn't get
to play last week. It was a bit of a
naughty boy during the pre game. But I'd suggest with that, Freddy,
you won't probably try and head butt someone again and
you'll be absolutely bouncing to get back on the court again.
What a tough wait for you.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Oh yeah, I think that's you know, my first known strike,
so that's definitely out of my game, out of my system.
But yeah, no, I mean I'm itching to get back
out there. I mean, it's tough not to work all
preseason and not be the first game. But you know
what actually have consequences, but I've paid my sol I'm
ready to get playing again.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Right, So what are we going to expect from me?
What do we know about you? Playing the year in
the scene to role, so you've got to be a
link about you? Or what else do the public need
to know about what you bring to the court? Freddy?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yeah, high motor, good hustle, defensive mentality, covering up people's mistakes,
a lot of passion, lot of energy, you know, hopefully
out of block shots. But now I think peopill be okay,
we'll we'll be satisfied with what I bring to the court.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
You've been playing for a couple of years over in Europe.
That would round your game as far as the way
tactically it's concerned, and also that the muscular nature which
is something that the Breakers work with as well. Are
you happy in that space?
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Oh? Yeah, no, I mean, you know, I think I've
got the physical tools to play that way. And like
I said, Europe is a very playing there is very
you know, tight space is push like you know, hard
like hard nose offense and defense. And you know, something
I've gotten used to and really grew into out there,
and it's a It's a role I'm happy to play.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
And with the rest of the team. You know, it
takes a wal This is the nature of basketball. Constantly
new athletes and it's always revolving doors. And the trick
I suppose is to hit the ground running and for
you guys to know each other's teendencies and to learn
that during the off season. So how close to think
you are to becoming this this well oiled unit, Freddy?
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I mean, I think, you know, very close to my opinion.
You know, we started off preseason, you know, you know,
not very strong our first preseason game and well we
lost all five by the fifth one. You know, we
think every game we got better and got closer to
finding our identity and our rhythm. And with the first game,
I'll every one, uh you know, I think I was
you know, I was watching that. I was looking. I
(02:56):
was like, okay, like everyone was, you know, was playing well.
They were playing together. They they're playing playing as a unit,
and it was fun to watch. It fun to see
and I'm sad to be a part of it.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
And we will want to see that when you're on
the court and see it going. Last season, I don't
know how schooled you are up on what happened to
the Breakers last year. If there was worse luck in
a basketball SIBE when it comes to injuries, I don't
know where it is. And that was shocking last season.
So everyone's in a good state. No one's broken down
already yet, Freddy, Yeah, no.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
I mean I am familiar. And that's was a big
that they emphasized this year, just keeping guys healthy. And
then we're going into the you know, we got through
preseason with everybody. You know, it's a little of course,
the little pumps and bruises that come along with it,
but nothing major. Me personally, me individually, I feel great.
I feel good. I know a lot of other guys
feel the same way. And it's something that in our
organization is very keyed in on to make sure it
(03:47):
doesn't happen again. And of course, of course you you
clean't do so much, but now they're very attentive to it.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Freddie, let's be joined the center for the Breakers. So
when you take a look at that last week and
what you observed that you probably quite handy to sit
there from the sideline and watch what happens out there,
You've got to be impressed with another center, Sam and
Inga looks like he's got the goods. I've been a
competition for you.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Yeah, No, it's good. I mean, like I said, I mean,
I'm always happy with when my teammates played well regards
to position and especially in my own absence and we
came away with the win. But like I said, I
mean I've been I've been, uh, I mean, I've been
playing against them, you know, all preseason, in him and
Dane all preseason, and like I said, so I know
what they're capable of. And I think it's great because
we all bring you know, none of us are all
(04:30):
the same player, k We all play the same position,
but all play it very differently, and they give us
versatility and then we can bring different things to the table.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
The Dane that Free talking about is Dane Panoso in
that center jumper tick. Tell us about Parker Jackson cart
right now, this is the guy who achieved magical things
last year. A diminutive character in the guard role, but
he's got game, has he not? He must be fun
to playoff of.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
No, I mean it's like I mean, it's I've never
played with anyone with anyone like I mean, he's you know,
low to the ground. He's he's lightning quick, quick as
a cat. He has had a nice mid range you
can pass, you know, three level score and you know
keeps his composure. Now he's fun to play with any
any he uh he opens a lot of stuff up
and he gets surprising number of deflections, you know, given
(05:18):
that he doesn't have like a crazy wink spin or
crazy length. But he's just so quick. He can you know,
be disruptive on defense as well. But yeah, I mean
he could just you know, he just makes the game.
So he's Honestly, when I first got here, I didn't
realize how fast he was, and I was like struggling
to keep up with him because I because he would
get from one end of the court to the other
end so quickly. I was so but uh nah, so
Redbelan chemistry and ship. I'm excited to play with him.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Ask little guys. I got to bring something to the program.
I tell you one last thing. Freddy gill Lispian, thanks
so much for Johnny's here on news Talk at zeb
has a relationship with Coping and the coach going because
again he's a new boy on the blockhouse. Ed'l Gelling
in No.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
It's great. Honestly, I mean, you know, he's uh, you know,
he's a younger coach, but like I said, mean his back.
I always say to everyone, like you can see his bath,
like Q the minute he starts talking about you know,
offensive defense and how to improve and he's very I
think it's good because he's very personal and he's invested
in you our team success, but also individually getting the
(06:15):
best version of everyone. You know, every he wants every
single play to be the best pop up version of themselves.
You know, he invests in that, and I think that's
that's probably like the the thing I respect the most
about him.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Southeast Melbourne Phoenix Tomorrow night, seven thirty, the Breakers first
game in the AMBL this season at home get amongst.
The atmosphere is incredible and this is a ball club
we all should be watching. Freddy, Welcome to the program,
my friend. Where looking forward to seeing your role.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
Appreciate thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
For more from the All Sport Breakfast with Darcy Watergrave,
Listen live to News Talk said Be on Saturday mornings,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the All Sport Breakfast podcast with Darcy
Wildegrave from News Talk SEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
We're talking hoops on the program now. It's all about
the Breakers and they have started their assault on the
AMBL title. Started last week at the Hoops Fest when
they managed to get one over Barrisban. It nearly fell
apart toward the very end, but that's okay. They got
the w and now they are home tomorrow at seven
thirty up against the Phoenix in Auckland City. And we're
(00:34):
joined by Freddy Gillispie, the center, one of the new
boys on the block for the Breakers, unfortunately didn't get
to play last week. It was a bit of a
naughty boy during the pre game. But I'd suggest with that, Freddy,
you won't probably try and head butt someone again and
you'll be absolutely bouncing to get back on the court again.
What a tough wait for you.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Oh yeah, I think that's you know, my first known strike,
so that's definitely out of my game, out of my system.
But yeah, no, I mean I'm itching to get back
out there. I mean, it's tough not to work all
preseason and not be the first game. But you know
what actually have consequences, but I've paid my sol I'm
ready to get playing again.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Right, So what are we going to expect from me?
What do we know about you? Playing the year in
the scene to role, so you've got to be a
link about you? Or what else do the public need
to know about what you bring to the court? Freddy?
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Yeah, high motor, good hustle, defensive mentality, covering up people's mistakes,
a lot of passion, lot of energy, you know, hopefully
out of block shots. But now I think peopill be okay,
we'll we'll be satisfied with what I bring to the court.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
You've been playing for a couple of years over in Europe.
That would round your game as far as the way
tactically it's concerned, and also that the muscular nature which
is something that the Breakers work with as well. Are
you happy in that space?
Speaker 3 (01:55):
Oh? Yeah, no, I mean, you know, I think I've
got the physical tools to play that way. And like
I said, Europe is a very playing there is very
you know, tight space is push like you know, hard
like hard nose offense and defense. And you know, something
I've gotten used to and really grew into out there,
and it's a It's a role I'm happy to play.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
And with the rest of the team. You know, it
takes a wal This is the nature of basketball. Constantly
new athletes and it's always revolving doors. And the trick
I suppose is to hit the ground running and for
you guys to know each other's teendencies and to learn
that during the off season. So how close to think
you are to becoming this this well oiled unit, Freddy?
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I mean, I think, you know, very close to my opinion.
You know, we started off preseason, you know, you know,
not very strong our first preseason game and well we
lost all five by the fifth one. You know, we
think every game we got better and got closer to
finding our identity and our rhythm. And with the first game,
I'll every one, uh you know, I think I was
you know, I was watching that. I was looking. I
(02:56):
was like, okay, like everyone was, you know, was playing well.
They were playing together. They they're playing playing as a unit,
and it was fun to watch. It fun to see
and I'm sad to be a part of it.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
And we will want to see that when you're on
the court and see it going. Last season, I don't
know how schooled you are up on what happened to
the Breakers last year. If there was worse luck in
a basketball SIBE when it comes to injuries, I don't
know where it is. And that was shocking last season.
So everyone's in a good state. No one's broken down
already yet, Freddy, Yeah, no.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
I mean I am familiar. And that's was a big
that they emphasized this year, just keeping guys healthy. And
then we're going into the you know, we got through
preseason with everybody. You know, it's a little of course,
the little pumps and bruises that come along with it,
but nothing major. Me personally, me individually, I feel great.
I feel good. I know a lot of other guys
feel the same way. And it's something that in our
organization is very keyed in on to make sure it
(03:47):
doesn't happen again. And of course, of course you you
clean't do so much, but now they're very attentive to it.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Freddie, let's be joined the center for the Breakers. So
when you take a look at that last week and
what you observed that you probably quite handy to sit
there from the sideline and watch what happens out there,
You've got to be impressed with another center, Sam and
Inga looks like he's got the goods. I've been a
competition for you.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Yeah, No, it's good. I mean, like I said, I mean,
I'm always happy with when my teammates played well regards
to position and especially in my own absence and we
came away with the win. But like I said, I
mean I've been I've been, uh, I mean, I've been
playing against them, you know, all preseason, in him and
Dane all preseason, and like I said, so I know
what they're capable of. And I think it's great because
we all bring you know, none of us are all
(04:30):
the same player, k We all play the same position,
but all play it very differently, and they give us
versatility and then we can bring different things to the table.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
The Dane that Free talking about is Dane Panoso in
that center jumper tick. Tell us about Parker Jackson cart
right now, this is the guy who achieved magical things
last year. A diminutive character in the guard role, but
he's got game, has he not? He must be fun
to playoff of.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
No, I mean it's like I mean, it's I've never
played with anyone with anyone like I mean, he's you know,
low to the ground. He's he's lightning quick, quick as
a cat. He has had a nice mid range you
can pass, you know, three level score and you know
keeps his composure. Now he's fun to play with any
any he uh he opens a lot of stuff up
and he gets surprising number of deflections, you know, given
(05:18):
that he doesn't have like a crazy wink spin or
crazy length. But he's just so quick. He can you know,
be disruptive on defense as well. But yeah, I mean
he could just you know, he just makes the game.
So he's Honestly, when I first got here, I didn't
realize how fast he was, and I was like struggling
to keep up with him because I because he would
get from one end of the court to the other
end so quickly. I was so but uh nah, so
Redbelan chemistry and ship. I'm excited to play with him.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Ask little guys. I got to bring something to the program.
I tell you one last thing. Freddy gill Lispian, thanks
so much for Johnny's here on news Talk at zeb
has a relationship with Coping and the coach going because
again he's a new boy on the blockhouse. Ed'l Gelling
in No.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
It's great. Honestly, I mean, you know, he's uh, you know,
he's a younger coach, but like I said, mean his back.
I always say to everyone, like you can see his bath,
like Q the minute he starts talking about you know,
offensive defense and how to improve and he's very I
think it's good because he's very personal and he's invested
in you our team success, but also individually getting the
(06:15):
best version of everyone. You know, every he wants every
single play to be the best pop up version of themselves.
You know, he invests in that, and I think that's
that's probably like the the thing I respect the most
about him.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Southeast Melbourne Phoenix Tomorrow night, seven thirty, the Breakers first
game in the AMBL this season at home get amongst.
The atmosphere is incredible and this is a ball club
we all should be watching. Freddy, Welcome to the program,
my friend. Where looking forward to seeing your role.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
Appreciate thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
For more from the All Sport Breakfast with Darcy Watergrave,
Listen live to News Talk said Be on Saturday mornings,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
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