David Stockton didn't take long to prove his worth for the New Zealand Breakers and coach Paul Henare expects things will only get better.
American point guard Stockton was a slick, impressive performer in his first NBL game for the Breakers, playing his part in a comprehensive 100-85 win over the Illawarra Hawks.
Less than a week after arriving to replace the injured Ben Woodside, Stockton showed he will be a key cog, Henare said.
"He's just got a good way about him. He looks like a baller, he looks like a hooper," Henare said.
"David came in and showed some pace, he offered something a little bit different and shared the ball around really well."
The son of former Utah Jazz NBA great John Stockton, the 25-year-old showed some of the hallmarks of his father with a team-first mentality.
Stockton nevertheless finished with a team-high 17 points, with eight-from-11 shooting.
Henare noted Stockton still finished with four turnovers and found himself trapped a couple of teams when double-teamed.
"It's a good start for him and I'm sure he's going to get better. He won't be happy with the turnovers."
Stockton doesn't have long to fine-tune, with the third-placed Breakers (5-4) facing the fifth-placed Hawks (4-5) again, in Wollongong on Sunday.
They will again be without centre Rob Loe, who has suffered a toe injury which is expected to keep him sidelined for about two weeks.
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