Former Tall Black and New Zealand Breakers legend Dillon Boucher has left an indelible mark on New Zealand basketball, both on and off the court.
As a player, he was a critical member of the New Zealand Breakers squad that achieved an unprecedented three consecutive Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) championships from 2011 to 2013, making the Breakers the first New Zealand team to clinch an Australian championship in any sport. Dillon's prowess was also pivotal in the Tall Blacks' remarkable 2002 World Championships journey, where they defied expectations to finish fourth, placing ahead of the USA Dream Team. He went on to represent New Zealand at the 2004 Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games where he picked up a Silver Medal.
Spanning over a decade, Dillon's international career with the Tall Blacks saw him play in more than 100 games from 1999 to 2007 from there he transitioned into coaching and spent the next 3 years as Assistant Coach of the Tall Blacks.
With a record-breaking nine NZ NBL titles across teams in Auckland and Waikato, Dillon solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most decorated players, being named in the All Star 5 in 2002, 2003 and 2007 and Kiwi MVP in 2003 and Finals MVP in 2002 and 2005. Dillon holds the NZ NBL record for most games played at 426 games. His professional journey took him to the ANBL, where he played for the Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets before returning to the Breakers. Dillon won four Australian NBL titles over his career, as well as picking up Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.
In the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours, Boucher was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to basketball
Dillon’s leadership extends beyond the court. In 2021, he was appointed Chief Executive of Basketball New Zealand, where he has driven the sport’s growth and development nationally. His governance roles include board positions with NZ NBL and Drug Free Sport New Zealand, and he served as a trustee for the Sports Pathways Trust and the Aotearoa Sports Foundation Trust. Known for his drive and discipline, Dillon embodies his personal mantra, "To be the best, you have to face your hardest opponent – yourself," a principle he shares widely. Passionate about fostering talent and encouraging community involvement in sports, Dillon Boucher remains an influential figure in the New Zealand sports landscape.
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Dillon Boucher
Former Tall Black and Breakers great Dillon Boucher continued as a player with the Super City Rangers Basketball Team until 2018.Exceeded expectations. Excellent speaker and great links back to our business and goals. ... keep reading Tegel Foods Ltd
"Dillon was an excellent choice for us an honest and down to earth speaker he was well received."
Dillon was very relaxed and casual during his speech which I believe allowed him to connect quickly with the team.
