Basketball: Abercrombie chooses Breakers over US

Tom Abercrombie. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Swingman Tom Abercrombie has waived his "out clause" and will suit up for the ANBL champions the Breakers next season.

The championship-winning Breakers announced the retention of seven local players - six New Zealanders and one Australian - with Abercrombie, at least for now, turning down the lure of Europe.

Abercrombie did have the option to pursue a contract in Europe or the NBA in the United States.

"Obviously it is pleasing to get a player of Tom's ability back in a Breakers singlet," head coach Andrej Lemanis said.

"He is a player who has been with us for some years now and has developed each season. His impact on the league and the club is considerable, as was seen with him being named grand finals MVP this season. For him to continue his journey with us for another year is exciting."

The Breakers jigsaw is starting to take shape with the signings of all but one of the local players. That leaves just one player to be confirmed alongside the two allowable import spots on the roster.

Abercrombie is joined by the returning Alex Pledger at centre, feisty defender Dillon Boucher, the irrepressible Mika Vukona, young guard Corey Webster and BJ Anthony, who has signed a two-year deal as he graduates from development player status last season. Also returning is Australian guard CJ Bruton as he chases his fifth career NBL championship title.

The only player with any degree of uncertainty is classy shooting guard Kirk Penney. While the Tall Blacks international is under contract for next season, he has until August 1 to decide whether to pursue options in Europe. That is one of a number of factors that leaves Lemanis in no rush to confirm his American imports.

"Kirk is obviously a crucial part of our group and in the guard rotation," Lemanis said.

"If he stays we go get a point guard, if he leaves things change so we are in no rush."

- NZPA