Breakers and legend Tom Abercrombie says it's an "incredible honour" to have his #10 jersey retired tonight.
The 38-year-old was surprised by the news last year, when he was invited to training to talk to the team – only to be told his number would be immortalised.
Abercrombie told Breakfast the occasion has brought back all of the memories he's made as a Breaker, having made 429 appearances for the club.
"It was a big moment, an emotional moment when I retired and then obviously with this all happening, it's a bit of a trip down memory lane again and all those memories start coming back.
"To now share the real estate up in the rafters with some of my idols and friends... I'm very proud of the career I was able to have at the Breakers."
The former Tall Black made 429 appearances in a Breakers singlet, a club record, and was a four-time NBL champion.
He was the only player to appear in all six of the club's Grand Final series, before retiring in 2024.
Abercrombie becomes only the fourth player in the club's history to have his singlet retired, joining Paul Henare (#32), CJ Bruton (#23), and friend and former teammate Dillon Boucher (#24) in the rafters.
"It doesn't get any bigger or better than this as a sports person. To do it with that company... it's a real special thing.
"I was always incredibly proud to play for the Breakers and to be a one club man."
Abercrombie said Boucher had shared some advice ahead of the occasion.
"Honestly, I've always shied away from the limelight as much as I possibly can. It's a bit hard to avoid when there's a whole event that's all about you.
"So he's just told me to sort of soak it up and enjoy it.
"You know, these things only happen once.
"It's a time to reflect and share the achievement with everyone that's been along that journey with me. It's not just about me, it's about everyone else.
"And, you know, it's the family name on the back of the jersey that's going up there too."
There was also the possibility the Abercrombie name be back on court, with his 7-year-old daughter thinking about picking up basketball.
"I might have to dust off the boots and do a bit of coaching for her school team," he joked.
As for the team's current form, with a 10-17 record this season and hovering outside the playoffs zone, Abercrombie believed success wasn't built overnight.
"It has been a tough year. It's a competitive, tough league to play in," he says of the NBL.
"We've had our moments we've competed, but unfortunately lost too many of those close ones, and the injury buggers certainly hit at the wrong time."
As a part of the Breakers' current ownership team, Abercrombie said going back to their Kiwi roots will be crucial for long-term development.
"That's the future going forward for the club is to re-engage the community, re-engage that Kiwi core that has always been so great for us," he said.
"The game continues to evolve and grow, and the Aussies are getting better and better too, so we need to grow and improve with them, and I'm really excited by the future that we're looking at.
The match against Melbourne United tips off at Spark Arena at 7.30pm.
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