In-Form Breakers Set For Big Return

The New Zealand Breakers are set to regain the services of Tom Abercrombie within the next week, coach Mody Maor has confirmed. 

Abercrombie suffered a serious eye injury after an innocuous knock during the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz, undergoing surgery shortly after.

But the 371-game NBL veteran has recovered well and is on the brink of a return. 

“The best part of training today was that Tom Abercrombie was part of it and it looks like he’s going to be joining the team in the next couple of games,” Maor told the club’s website. 

Abercrombie would be a welcome inclusion to a New Zealand side which has taken big strides in NBL23.

The Breakers have already won four games from their first six, having claimed just five victories in total last year. 

“Our start to the season has been extremely challenging from a schedule standpoint,” Maor said. 

“We’ve had a lot of games in a very short period of time and this group has shown real grit and real toughness.

“From this comes real confidence in our ability to handle tough situations and tough circumstances and come out of it with a win.”

Maor’s team has already claimed the scalps of Melbourne, South East Melbourne, Cairns and Illawarra, but now comes perhaps the biggest challenge.

Next up, a trip to Adelaide against the star-studded 36ers. 

“We’re playing against a very good team and playing our best version of basketball is what we’re going to need if we’re going to win,” Maor said. 

“Every time you go and play in Adelaide’s building you know it’s going to be a tough game.”

New Zealand takes on the 36ers at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday night, with tip-off at 7.30pm AEDT.