The New Zealand Breakers have been dealt a significant blow, with swingman Tom Abercrombie ruled out for four to six weeks with a right hand fracture suffered at practice yesterday.
Scans have revealed the extent of the injury suffered when Abercrombie was trying to break through a screen during scrimmage yesterday, and while the fracture is a 'good clean one' as far as this type of injury goes, he will be out of the game for some time to allow the bone to heal.
Abercrombie had been one of the top performers for the Breakers, averaging 12.8 points and five rebounds per game on shooting splits of 43/46/72.
His absence leaves a big hole in the Breakers rotation, but a potential aid could come from overseas, as the club continues in the search for an injury replacement for Corey Webster. With the new recruit ideally coming into the group in time for the game in Sydney (December 30), the club will not seek a replacement for Abercrombie and will play with the same roster that defeated Brisbane, with the new import essentially replacing Abercrombie in that lineup - and likely being able to play at small forward.
To pick up the remainder of the workload, Kirk Penney may get minutes at three, which would mean extended minutes for a backcourt duo of David Stockon and Shea Ili. Mika Vukona may also get minutes there in big lineups, while young local standouts Finn Delany, Jordan Ngatai and Ethan Rusbatch should get extra run depending on the versatility and impact of the new import.
Head Coach Paul Henare felt for Abercrombie but is taking a philosophical view of the injury.
"I feel for Tommy, he has been one of our most consistent players throughout the season and was nearing his best form again in recent games. He is one of our leaders on and off court and is understandably extremely disappointed to have this happen.
"The silver lining is that we have time to make adjustments ahead of our next game in Sydney on the 30th. As always we will focus on that while Tom gets the right medical attention and support, our concentration has to be on the players we have available, I have every faith in their ability to get the job done while Tommy is out. We are a resilient group and have great depth in the roster, I have no doubts this will prove an opportunity for others to step up in Tom's absence."
