Breakers Big Announces Retirement

New Zealand centre Rob Loe abruptly called time on his NBL career on Wednesday, announcing his retirement from the competition.

Loe played 173 NBL games – largely with the New Zealand Breakers – across a seven-year NBL career, including making a career-high 31 appearances over the course of NBL23.

He arrived in the competition following a four-year college career at Saint Louis and seasons for Greek side KAOD and Belgian side Limburg United.

"Retiring from the Breakers has not been an easy decision," he said. "From my early days as part of the Breakers Academy to now, I have enjoyed a great career and made some lifelong friends.

"What I've learned most about myself over the past few years in particular is how much I value my family ... how much I value my wife and son.

"Putting myself in a position where I can be with them full-time is my priority now."

"Rob will always have a home with the Breakers," head coach Mody Maor added.

"I'm extremely pleased and glad his final season as a professional basketballer was one where he played arguably his best basketball and felt valued."

An NZNBL champion with Wellington in 2019, Loe is currently representing Auckland Tuatara, who are currently second on the ladder with an 8-3 record for the season.

He is currently top of the league’s MVP rankings alongside former Breaker Jeremy Kendle, and is averaging 19.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists 2.7 blocks and 2.3 steals per game, alongside recently retired Tasmania JackJumper Jarrad Weeks.