Basketball: Abercrombie pledges future to Breakers

NZ Breakers basketball player Tom Abercrombie. 14 February 2013 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Brett Phibbs

Tom Abercrombie has signed a new three-year deal with the Breakers but also hinted he's open to becoming a one-club man.

The 27-year-old is one of the best players to come out of this country and has helped the Breakers to four titles in the last five seasons. He's harboured ambitions of playing in the NBA or in Europe but has found it difficult to break into the top leagues and now sees his future in New Zealand.

Abercrombie considered offshore offers, and recently finished a short-term contract in Spain with Gipuzkoa, but sees his long-term future at the Breakers."I have built great relationships with the whole Breakers organisation, fanbase and sponsors and look forward to continuing these," Abercrombie said. "In my opinion, this decision cements that I would love to be a Breaker for my whole career and I'm excited about the next part of that journey.

"My wife and I are looking forward to continuing our life in New Zealand, starting a family and being surrounded by family and friends. I'm very appreciative of the opportunities I still have to experience short-term contracts after the season in Europe, as I have this year in Spain, and I feel very lucky to have these opportunities to continue to develop my game and bring back these skills to the club."

Abercrombie's signing brings to seven the number of contracted players at the club, with the swingman joining Cedric Jackson, Reuben Te Rangi, Mika Vukona, Duane Bailey, Alex Pledger and Tai Wesley in next season's lineup.

Abercrombie will soon join the Tall Blacks in their build-up towards the Oceania Championships that doubles as qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Abercrombie struggled with injury at times last season but still shot a career-high 47 per cent from the three-point line. "Tom leads the Breakers in professionalism and is a great example to others of how to give yourself the best possible opportunity to play to your potential every game," coach Dean Vickerman said.

"Last season Tom battled through injury for the most part and really only got his body close to 100 per cent late in the season which contributed greatly to the team sweeping the post-season - that was no coincidence. We look forward to seeing his continued growth as a team leader and to seeing an injury-free Tom Abercrombie get even better and help take this team forward over the next few years."

"With Cedric already signed, Tom brings a skill set that complements the guard line and Cedric's abilities with the ball in hand. He is a part of this organisation and has been for some time, he has played a significant role in all four Breakers championships. He is a proven winner."