Tom Abercrombie, a basketball legend for the New Zealand Breakers, had his number 10 jersey officially retired at Spark Arena.
The special moment took place before the game against Melbourne United on Friday evening.
Abercrombie, now 38, played for the Breakers his entire professional career, appearing in a club-record 429 games. He helped the team win four championships and is the only player to play in all six of the Breakers’ Grand Final series. He retired in 2024.
He was surprised by the jersey retirement news last year during a visit to team training. “It was emotional,” Abercrombie said, “and brought back so many memories.” His jersey now hangs in the rafters alongside those of former teammates Paul Henare, CJ Bruton, and Dillon Boucher.
Abercrombie shared how meaningful the moment was. “To be up there with my idols and friends… it doesn’t get better than that,” he said. He added that the honour is not just about him, but also everyone who supported him along the way.
Now part of the Breakers’ ownership team, Abercrombie said the club’s future depends on reconnecting with its New Zealand roots and local talent.
