Breakers legend earns ultimate honour

The New Zealand Breakers will honour one of their all-time greats, retiring the jersey of four-time champion Tom Abercrombie.

Abercrombie famously wore the number 10 throughout his 429-game career with the Breakers, and received the news from President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher at training on Thursday.

“Tom is a legend of this club and has been involved in winning all four championships. He embodies what it means to be a Breaker both on and off the court,” Boucher said.

Abercrombie is just the fourth Breakers player to receive the honour of having his jersey retired, alongside Paul Henare (#32), CJ Bruton (#23) and Boucher (#24).

The club will hold a ceremony later in the year to raise the number 10 to the rafters at Spark Arena.

“This is the highest honour in basketball,” Abercrombie said.

“I am particularly pleased for my family who supported me throughout my career. I will reflect and celebrate with my family, and the fans on this achievement.

“To have my name recognised with the Blackwells (former club owners), Bruton, Boucher and Henare is humbling and means so much to me.”

Abercrombie won the Grand Final MVP in 2011, was an All-NBL First Team member in 2012 and appeared in all five of the Breakers’ Championship Series appearances throughout his illustrious 16-season career.