Abercrombie Honored as Breakers Retire His Jersey
Former Breakers player Tom Abercrombie expressed his deep pride and gratitude as his jersey number 10 was retired during a special ceremony. The event took place as Abercrombie, now 38, reflected on his incredible journey with the New Zealand Breakers.
A Remarkable Career at the Breakers
Abercrombie’s career at the Breakers is notable for several achievements. He made an impressive 429 game appearances, setting a club record that underscores his significance to the team. Throughout his time, he was part of four NBL championship-winning squads and the only player to feature in all six Grand Final series contested by the club.
Emotional Reflections
Upon receiving the jersey retirement honor, Abercrombie recalled the moment he learned the news. He had been invited to training under the pretext of discussing the team when he was unexpectedly informed about the tribute. “It’s an incredible honor,” he shared on Breakfast, describing the experience as a nostalgic journey revisiting memories he created while playing for the Breakers.
Joining the Legends
Abercrombie becomes just the fourth player in Breakers history to have his jersey retired, joining legends such as:
- Paul Henare (#32)
- CJ Bruton (#23)
- Dillon Boucher (#24)
He expressed the magnitude of this achievement, stating, “To share the real estate up in the rafters with some of my idols and friends is special.”
A Legacy Beyond the Court
As Abercrombie steps back from professional play, he hints at a potential return to the court in a different role. His daughter, only seven years old, is considering taking up basketball, prompting him to joke about dusting off his coaching shoes to support her school team. “These things only happen once, so it’s a time to reflect and share the achievement with everyone that’s been along that journey with me,” he added.
Current Team Challenges
This season, the Breakers have faced difficulties, holding a 10-17 record as they struggle to maintain playoff contention. Abercrombie emphasized that success in the league requires time and resilience. “It’s been a tough year,” he noted, attributing challenges to injuries and close losses.
Looking to the Future
Now part of the Breakers’ ownership team, Abercrombie is passionate about reconnecting the club with its community roots. He believes that fostering a strong Kiwi core will be essential for the organization’s future growth. “We need to grow and improve,” he stated, expressing optimism about the club’s direction.
This significant retirement event for Tom Abercrombie, celebrated at Spark Arena, not only honors his past but also sets a hopeful tone for the Breakers’ future.
