Dillon Boucher: Breakers Glory, Steven Adams & The 2002 World Champs Miracle

Dillon Boucher is one of New Zealand’s most decorated basketballers. In this wide-ranging conversation he opens up about everything: from being cut from the Olympic team and his relationship with Steven Adams, to his championship runs with the Breakers and being labelled a thug for how he played.

He also shares personal struggles around imposter syndrome, family sacrifices, leadership, and transitioning from player to executive in the sport he loves.

Whether you know him for his stare-downs on court or his legacy off it—this is the real Dylan Boucher.

🔗 Topics include:

2002 Tall Blacks World Champs run

Life as a Breakers icon (and getting his jersey retired)

Supporting Steven Adams’ journey

His most emotional career moment

Leadership, legacy, and life after the final whistle

Dillon is a guy who has devoted his entire life to NZ basketball so this was a huge honour to sit with him and pick his brains for a long form conversation like this. I loved the chat and I hope you do too.

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**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 03:45 – From Wellington to the World Stage 17:50 – Olympic Setback & Turning Point 27:10 – 2002 Tall Blacks: The Miracle Run 34:40 – Mentoring Steven Adams 45:30 – Breakers: Legacy, Loyalty & Leaving 1:01:20 – Why They Retired His Jersey 1:18:15 – From Player to GM: The Transition 1:33:30 – Speaking Out, Getting Cut & Mental Resilience 1:50:00 – Vulnerability, Family & Finding Balance 2:02:10 – Legacy, Regrets & Final Reflections