Abercrombie Commits to Play in 2020/21 NBL Season

New Zealand Breakers star Tom Abercrombie has pledged his commitment to play in the 2020/21 NBL season, regardless of the campaign’s format.

Reports had surfaced over the past couple of months that Abercrombie would not play this season if the league moved into a hub type model, which could see the Breakers relocated from New Zealand for either the whole campaign or portions of it.

Abercrombie had flagged being separated from his wife Monique and their three children, all aged four or under, would be a concern.

However, the 33-year-old has clarified he plans on making things work with his young family, with Stuff writing Abercrombie “confirmed he would play a full part in the upcoming campaign, due to tip off in mid-January, whatever format the competition takes”.

Abercrombie admits it is difficult to look too far ahead, with the NBL season structure yet to be finalised, but he is anticipating hitting the court with the Breakers and balancing family commitments.

“I think what I said was I’m not quite sure how I’m going to leave my family at home for three months by themselves,” Abercrombie told Stuff.

“I’m hoping they’ll be able to join us for part of that. Hopefully by January, when we have to go over there, families are able to come for some or part of that.

“They’re (his family) a tight little bunch, and all have their challenges and things as well. It’s hard to prepare for anything when you don’t have any concrete information to hand.

“Whatever happens, we’ll find a way to get through it. The priority and the goal is to have them come along with us, but whatever happens they’ll be well looked after.

“Everyone has their personal situations and I know the NBL is talking to each player to find out what those are to best accommodate their circumstances.

“The luxury they have had is all this time to prepare and hopefully they’ve used that time wisely."

In an offseason like no other, Abercrombie has been working hard to ensure he remains in top shape for when the NBL returns.

“I’ve been trying to stay in shape. We’ve been training, but you definitely miss that real competition aspect and the five-on-five stuff that we haven’t been able to get so much,” he said.

The Breakers announced this week a celebrity game has been planned for November 26 at Spark Arena. The exhibition contest will include numerous New Zealand players, Undisputed UFC Middleweight World Champion Israel Adesanya, netball superstar Irene van Dyk and more.

The celebrity game will raise funds for the Starship Foundation, a cause that is close to the heart of the Abercrombie family.

“Our oldest boy has autism, and our middle daughter, she’s a heart kid, so we’ve spent a lot of time in Starship over the years, in the heart wing, and all sorts of other things as well,” Abercrombie said.

“We were in there for a week just last week with our oldest one when he had some health issues.

“We’ve been in there a lot, and we know how awesome the people there are and what an amazing job they do for every kid. No matter who they are coming in there, they get the same amount of love and attention.

“So for me to be able do this and give something back is absolutely awesome.”

The NBL season is slated to tip off in mid-January, with the aim to play in front of as many fans as possible, in home venues.