Basketball: Bereaved Breakers import departs

New Zealand Breakers' American basketball import Brant Bailey has returned home after the death of his sister in a car crash.

Bailey has been granted compassionate leave and won't return from the United States until tomorrow week, three days before the Breakers' Australian National Basketball League season opener against Cairns in Auckland.

Bailey, a 2.02m power forward or shooting guard, was replaced by development player Brent Charleton for this week's pre-season tour of Queensland.