New Zealand Breakers' must-win NBL clash with Brisbane has received an extra dash of spice after club great Tom Abercrombie confirmed this will be his last campaign.
A four-time champion with the Breakers, Abercrombie began with the club as a development player in 2008 and came within one win of a fifth title last season when they were pipped 3-2 by Sydney Kings.
They host the Bullets at Auckland's Spark Arena on Friday, Abercrombie's 426th appearance for the club in
his 15th campaign.
The Breakers potentially need to win that game, as well as Sunday's final regular-season fixture in Adelaide to sneak into the top-six to contest finals, while a Bullets victory would guarantee them a finals berth.
The 36-year-old fronted media on Tuesday to confirm his goodbyes, Abercrombie emotional despite admitting he had decided it would be his farewell season for some time.
The father of three grew up on Auckland’s North Shore and attended school less than 4km from the Breakers' training facility in Mairangi Bay.
He was grand final MVP in 2011 and won All-NBL first-team selection in 2012.
“Playing for the Breakers has meant everything to me," he said.
“It’s been about representing a family, a country and a lot of people have put their heart and soul into this organisation.
"My basketball journey started young with a seed planted by my amazing mum who coached me as a youngster.
"To my children, thank you for letting your dad live out his dreams, it’s time for me to be there for you now.”
Breakers owner Matt Walsh said Abercrombie's No.10 jersey would be hung from the rafters next season.
"I'm hesitant to comment on Tom retiring because I am not ready to face that reality'" he said.
"For almost 20 years Tom has led the Breakers on and off the court and embodied what it means to be a Breaker."
