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Dillon Boucher

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Dillon Boucher
Boucher in 2014
Personal information
Born (1975-12-27) 27 December 1975 (age 48)
Bell Block, Taranaki, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealand
Listed height196 cm (6 ft 5 in)
Listed weight98 kg (216 lb)
Career information
High schoolPapatoetoe (Auckland, New Zealand)
Playing career1994–2018
PositionSmall forward / power forward
Career history
1994–2001Auckland Rebels/Stars
2002–2003Waikato Titans
2003–2005New Zealand Breakers
2004–2009Auckland Stars
2005–2006Perth Wildcats
2006–2008Brisbane Bullets
2008–2013New Zealand Breakers
2010Harbour Heat
2011–2012Auckland Pirates
2013Wellington Saints
2014–2018Super City Rangers
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's Basketball
Representing  New Zealand
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal – second place 2006 Melbourne Team Competition

Dillon Matthew Boucher MNZM (born 27 December 1975) is a New Zealand former professional basketball player. His 13 combined career championships is the most in ANBL/NZNBL history.

Early life

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Growing up in Bell Block, a small township just outside of New Plymouth, Boucher picked up basketball in his final year at Bell Block Primary School, thanks in large part to his older brothers. Boucher continued to play the sport through high school, spending his third-form year at New Plymouth's Spotswood College in 1989 before relocating to Auckland in 1990 and attending Papatoetoe High School. While he enjoyed playing basketball, it was when he was selected for his first New Zealand age-group squad, around the age of 17, he saw the potential to make a career out of it.[1]

Professional career

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Boucher played for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League from their inception in 2003 until 2005 when he signed with the Perth Wildcats for whom he played for in 2005/06. Boucher then played for the Brisbane Bullets between 2006 and 2008.[2] In 2008, he re-joined the New Zealand Breakers and was part of the team's championship three-peat between 2010/11 and 2012/13. Boucher retired from the Breakers and the Australian NBL in 2013.[3] The Breakers retired his number 24.[4]

With the Auckland Pirates in 2012, Boucher won his ninth NZNBL championship. Prior to 2011, he played for the Auckland Stars, Waikato Titans and Harbour Heat. He played for the Wellington Saints in 2013,[5] before joining the Super City Rangers in 2014.[6] He was player/assistant with the Rangers in 2015.[7] In November 2015, he re-signed with the Rangers on a three-year deal, continuing on as a player/assistant coach.[8] On 4 May 2017, Boucher became the second player to reach 400 NBL games, joining Phill Jones (406).[9] On 5 June 2017, he played his 409th career NBL game, surpassing Jones as the all-time leader.[10][11][12]

On 12 July 2018, Boucher announced that the 2018 season would be his last in the New Zealand NBL.[13][14] He finished his career with 426 NBL games.[15]

Off the court

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In 2016, Boucher became the New Zealand Breakers' general manager.[16][17] In September 2019, he quit as general manager of the Breakers.[18]

In November 2020, Boucher was appointed Director of Basketball for the Auckland Huskies in the New Zealand NBL.[19]

In September 2021, Boucher was appointed CEO of Basketball New Zealand.[15]

National team career

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Boucher made his first Tall Blacks team in 2001. He was part of the squad who shocked the hoops world to claim fourth place at the 2002 FIBA World Championship. Following his national team call up, Boucher became a fixture in the side until his retirement from the international level in 2008.[1]

Personal

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In the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours, Boucher was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to basketball.[20]

References

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  1. ^ a b Hoop dreams take Dillon Boucher from floor wiper to general manager
  2. ^ Deane, Steve (4 April 2007). "Basketball: Boucher's a family guy". nzherald.co.nz. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  3. ^ Shannon, Kris (15 April 2013). "Basketball: Boucher eyeing up Halberg". nzherald.co.nz. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  4. ^ Cedric Jackson sweeps NZ Breakers' awards
  5. ^ Boucher signs with Saints
  6. ^ Super City Rangers sign Dillon Boucher for the 2014 NBL Season
  7. ^ Dillon Boucher lands coaching gig
  8. ^ Veterans Back For Another NBL Season
  9. ^ BOUCHER GETS WIN IN 400TH GAME
  10. ^ BOUCHER TIES RECORD IN RANGERS WIN
  11. ^ SHARKS CLINCH 2ND, BOUCHER BECOMES ALL-TIME GAMES LEADER
  12. ^ Southland Sharks make statement in National Basketball League with win over Super City Rangers
  13. ^ BOUCHER RETIREMENT HERALDS END OF GREAT CAREER
  14. ^ Couldn't shoot, couldn't jump, but Dillon Boucher hangs 'em up as one of the greats
  15. ^ a b Hinton, Marc (2 September 2021). "Kiwi hoops legend Dillon Boucher gets his shot as Basketball NZ chief executive". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  16. ^ Paul Henare, Dillon Boucher named as new NZ Breakers coach and general manager
  17. ^ Incoming Breakers general manager Dillon Boucher ready to take club to new heights
  18. ^ Dillon Boucher quits as general manager of the New Zealand Breakers
  19. ^ "AUCKLAND HUSKIES LOCK IN 2021 COACHING STAFF". nznbl.basketball. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  20. ^ "Queen's Birthday honours list 2014". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
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