Incoming New Zealand Breakers head coach Paul Henare is predicting big things in the NBL next year despite their grand final series meltdown and the departure of key personnel.
A perfect record in league-deciding series ended in Perth on Sunday as the Wildcats dominated game three, winning 75-52 to clinch the series 2-1 and claim a record seventh title.
The Breakers had won four of the previous five championships and had never lost a grand final series but a miserable night on offence sunk their chances.
Cedric Jackson was kept scoreless and fellow-guard Corey Webster sunk just seven points.
Forward Tom Abercrombie played a virtual lone hand, scoring 21 points along with four steals and six rebounds while centre Charles Jackson contributed 12 rebounds.
Departing coach Dean Vickerman was philosophical, admitting it was simply an off night for too many of his players.
"Obviously a number of players were down on what they've been doing all year. But I'm proud that Tommy Abercrombie stood up. We just didn't have enough other contributors," he said.
Assistant coach Henare will replace Vickerman, who had a nine-year association with the club.
Also leaving is chief executive Richard Clarke, to take up the same role at the returning Brisbane Bullets.
Clarke said the Breakers should feel proud about what they had achieved since being founded in 2003.
"We started off playing in front of a couple of hundred people and half the country didn't know what basketball was," Clarke said.
"Now we've established a legacy we can be really proud of."
Henare refused to blame the team's intense travel schedule for a tired effort in the decider, saying they were simply outplayed by a home side whose defensive pressure and second-chance points proved the difference.
Henare predicts the disappointing loss and off-court overhaul won't buck their title prospects in 2016-17.
"It's one of the great clubs in Australasian sport, not just basketball, and no matter what happens and who coaches, you're off to a head start being part of a great organisation and having great resources at your disposal," he said.
Only three players are contracted for next season - Tall Blacks Webster, Abercrombie and captain Mika Vukona.
Henare suspects they'll struggle to retain the same roster.
"As we know in professional sport, it's impossible to keep a group together, but for now we'll reflect a little bit."
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