NICKNAME/S: Tommy

BIO: New Zealand born Thomas Abercrombie began playing basketball for the North Harbour Basketball Association and attended Westlake Boys High School in Auckland.

FAMILY: Abercrombie is the son of Colin and Judy. He is the oldest of three children, with brother Hayden and sister Nicola. Abercrombie and his wife Monique have three children

NBL EXPERIENCE

Thomas Abercrombie made his NBL debut with the New Zealand Breakers at 21 years of age. He scored five points in his first game.

Heading into the 2007/08 NBL season, the New Zealand Breakers bolstered their roster by signing CJ Bruton (two-year deal) and Dillon Boucher (three-year deal) after the Brisbane Bullets withdrew from the league due to financial difficulties. Head coach Andrej Lemanis specifically recruited the duo with the intention of delivering the Breakers their first championship.

“The Breakers have proved they’re a playoff team, and I’d like to help take them up to that next level,” Bruton said upon signing with New Zealand.

“I’ve seen the Breakers change their team and their culture to become more competitive. They’re serious about becoming number one, and I want to be a part of New Zealand’s first championship. You don’t play this sport just to be in it.”

Bruton and Boucher joined a strong core that included Paul Henare, Kirk Penney, Phill Jones, Oscar Forman, Tony Ronaldson, and Tim Behrendorff. The Breakers also finalized their roster by signing import Rick Rickert to provide interior presence. Bruton’s arrival brought stability and direction at the point guard position, addressing a key weakness for the team.

The Breakers were led by the dynamic duo of Bruton (16.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals) and Penney (24.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), with both delivering career-best campaigns. Penney’s efforts earned him a spot on the All-NBL First Team, and he made history as the first New Zealand-born player to win NBL MVP. Additionally, Phill Jones was recognized as the league’s Sixth Man of the Year.

New Zealand began the season in dominant form, sitting atop the ladder with a 15-4 record. However, their fortunes shifted after Bruton suffered a high-ankle sprain in late December, causing the team to stumble through January with an 8-game losing streak, winning only one of their next nine matches.

Despite their mid-season struggles, the Breakers finished the regular season with an 18–12 record, securing their first-ever home playoff game. In the elimination playoff, New Zealand routed Adelaide (131–101), advancing to a best-of-three semifinal series against defending champions Melbourne. The Breakers, making their first-ever semi-finals appearance, were ultimately swept 2–0 by Melbourne.

Abercrombie, who signed with the Breakers as a development player, saw limited playing time during the season. He appeared in 13 games, averaging 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists while gaining valuable experience in his debut NBL campaign.

2009/10
After achieving their first-ever playoff appearance the previous season, coach Andrej Lemanis retained most of the Breakers’ roster, losing only Phill Jones (to Cairns) and Tim Behrendorff (to Wollongong). With just one import, Rick Rickert, the Breakers added Dave Thomas (via Cairns) to bring veteran leadership to the squad. However, Thomas was forced to retire due to injury before the season began, and former NBA player Awvee Storey was signed as his replacement. Thomas Abercrombie was elevated from a development player to a full roster member for the season.

New Zealand struggled in the first half of the season, largely due to the absence of leading scorer Kirk Penney (23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists), who missed nine games with a back injury. Additionally, Storey (7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists) failed to meet expectations and was released after nine games, with the club stating that “things weren’t working out.” John Rillie (4.3 points and 1.6 rebounds), released by Townsville the previous season, was signed as a temporary replacement and appeared in 12 games.

The Breakers were bolstered midseason by the addition of import Kevin Braswell (9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.3 steals), who helped lead the team to six consecutive wins in their final seven games. Despite their late-season surge, the Breakers narrowly missed the playoffs in one of the closest NBL seasons ever. New Zealand finished fifth (15-13), just two games behind league leaders Perth.

Abercrombie, who missed four games late in the season due to an ankle injury, averaged 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists for the year.

2010/11
The Breakers saw key returns from Kevin Braswell and Mika Vukona, both pivotal to the team’s success. Braswell initially signed with Turkish team Aliağa Belediyesi SK but left before the season began to rejoin the Breakers. Meanwhile, Vukona, a 2009 champion with the South Dragons, returned to New Zealand and replaced Paul Henare as team captain. The Breakers also replaced declining import Rick Rickert with former Utah State standout Gary Wilkinson.

The season began without Kirk Penney, who attempted to secure an NBA contract. After a month, he rejoined the Breakers, who started the season strong, winning their first five games before suffering a blowout loss to Perth (114–74).

Penney (20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) led the team in scoring, with the Breakers finishing the regular season on top of the ladder (22–6). Wilkinson (15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), CJ Bruton (11.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), Thomas Abercrombie (10.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists), and Vukona (8.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) rounded out the starting lineup. Braswell (10.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists) added a spark off the bench, earning the NBL’s Best Sixth Man award.

Corey Webster (4.0 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) was elevated to the full-time roster this season, reducing Bruton’s minutes by seven per game, showcasing New Zealand’s improved depth.

The Breakers met fourth-seeded Perth in the semifinals, losing the opening game at home but bouncing back with consecutive wins in games two and three to advance to their first-ever NBL Grand Final.

In the championship series, New Zealand faced Cairns. The Breakers dominated game one (85–67), leading by as much as 31 points in the third quarter. Game two in Cairns was a thriller, tied at the end of regulation (60–60) and again after the first overtime (73–73), before the Taipans prevailed (85–81) to force a decisive game three.

Back in New Zealand, the Breakers secured a comfortable victory (71–53), becoming the first non-Australian team to win an NBL championship. Thomas Abercrombie was named Grand Final MVP, while Bruton cemented his place in Breakers history, nailing two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the title—his fourth NBL championship.

2011/12
After securing their first NBL championship, the Breakers faced significant challenges in the offseason. Leading scorer Kirk Penney left to play in Europe, and Kevin Braswell suffered an offseason Achilles injury that left him unable to begin the 2011/12 season. Coach Andrej Lemanis addressed these gaps by signing Cedric Jackson and adding Daryl Corletto, who became available after the Melbourne Tigers released him to make room for NBA star Patty Mills.

Jackson (12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.2 steals) led the league in both assists and steals, ensuring the Breakers maintained their competitive edge. Gary Wilkinson (16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) and Thomas Abercrombie (15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) stepped up offensively in Penney’s absence, propelling New Zealand to their second consecutive first-place finish (21-7).

During the season, Abercrombie delivered a career-high performance, scoring 33 points alongside 11 rebounds and 2 blocks in a double-overtime victory (108-98) against the Melbourne Tigers. With Patty Mills unavailable, Abercrombie dominated, hitting 10 of 18 shots from the field and 6 of 9 from beyond the arc while playing 46 minutes.

In the playoffs, the Breakers defeated Townsville (2-1) to set up a Grand Final clash with Perth. Abercrombie missed game one due to injury, but the Breakers secured a dramatic overtime win (104–98), led by Jackson (25 points, 8 assists) and Bruton (20 points, 3 assists). Despite a stellar 28-point effort from Wilkinson in game two, Perth claimed a narrow victory (87-86), setting up a decisive third game in Auckland.

In the deciding game, Abercrombie returned to play a pivotal role. After Perth tied the game with seven minutes remaining, Abercrombie grabbed an offensive rebound, setting up Bruton (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) for a critical three-pointer that extended the Breakers’ lead. Wilkinson (23 points) and Alex Pledger (13 points on 4-of-6 shooting) made crucial contributions, while Abercrombie added 12 points and 4 rebounds. The Breakers clinched back-to-back championships with a 79–73 victory in front of 9,000 fans. Bruton’s clutch shooting earned him the Larry Sengstock Medal for Grand Final MVP.

This historic season saw Lemanis named Coach of the Year, while Jackson and Abercrombie were selected to the All-NBL First Team. Wilkinson also earned All-NBL Second Team honours.

2012/13
In 2012, the Breakers set their sights on becoming the second team in NBL history to achieve a three-peat. Cedric Jackson, Leon Henry, Thomas Abercrombie, Dillon Boucher, Mika Vukona, CJ Bruton, and Daryl Corletto all re-signed, while the team opted not to re-sign leading scorer Gary Wilkinson (to Europe), instead elevating Alex Pledger to the starting lineup. Will Hudson (via Gold Coast) joined the roster as an import forward, and Corey Webster returned from a 12-month suspension for a banned substance violation.

The Breakers achieved numerous milestones during the season. Jackson recorded his first career triple-double (28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) against the Melbourne Tigers on November 30, 2012, marking only the second triple-double since the NBL transitioned to 40-minute games in 2009/10. By February, the Breakers had set a new franchise record with 11 consecutive wins, later extending the streak to 15 games by mid-March.

Jackson (14.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.8 steals) earned the league MVP award for leading the league in assists and steals for the second consecutive season. Abercrombie averaged 11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists as the Breakers finished atop the ladder (24-4).

In a Grand Final rematch with Perth, the Wildcats were hindered by the absence of starting guard Damian Martin, who was sidelined with an Achilles injury. Although Brad Robbins was signed as a replacement, the Breakers swept the Wildcats in two games, culminating in a dramatic 70–66 victory in game two. Jackson earned Grand Final MVP honours, securing the Breakers’ historic three-peat.

2013/14
After winning three consecutive championships, head coach Andrej Lemanis departed to lead the Australian men’s national basketball team. Assistant coach Dean Vickerman was promoted to head coach, tasked with maintaining the Breakers’ dynasty.

The team faced significant changes, losing star import Cedric Jackson (to Europe) and Dillon Boucher (retirement). The Breakers started the season poorly, dropping three of their first four games. In response, the team signed former Breakers favorite Gary Wilkinson (15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) in late October. Veteran CJ Bruton (6.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) announced he would retire at the end of the season after playing his 500th game in December, a narrow 82-84 loss to Melbourne.

In January, the team replaced injured centre Alex Pledger (10.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 13 games) with Casey Frank (5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists). New import Kerron Johnson (12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists) struggled to fill Jackson’s shoes, forcing Thomas Abercrombie (15.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) to carry much of the offensive load. Abercrombie often faced defensive pressure due to Johnson’s lack of shooting range, limiting his space to operate.

The Breakers never found consistent form, failing to win more than two consecutive games all season. They finished in seventh place (11–17), missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Despite the disappointing season, there were promising signs from Corey Webster (8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) and Reuben Te Rangi (5.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists), who both delivered career-high scoring seasons and showed potential for the team’s future.

2014/15
Following a disappointing season in 2013/14, where the Breakers missed the playoffs after winning three consecutive championships, the team regrouped with key roster changes. Imports Kerron Johnson and Gary Wilkinson were replaced by big man Ekene Ibekwe and former fan favourite Cedric Jackson, who had previously led the team to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.

The offseason also saw the retirement of CJ Bruton, a Breakers legend, and the departure of Daryl Corletto (to Melbourne). These losses were offset by the additions of Rhys Carter (via Adelaide) and Tai Wesley, who joined as a local player under the league’s Asian player rule due to his Guam birth.

The Breakers opened the season with consecutive victories over Perth and Adelaide, followed by back-to-back losses to Cairns and Melbourne. In a highly competitive league, New Zealand managed to string together multiple five-game winning streaks, driven by the offensive prowess of Cedric Jackson (14.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.2 steals) and Corey Webster (15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists). Webster’s elevation to the starting lineup solidified his position as one of the league’s elite scorers.

Thomas Abercrombie played a vital role throughout the season, averaging 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1 assist as the Breakers battled with Perth and Cairns for top spot. Ultimately, New Zealand finished second on the ladder (19–9).

In the semifinals, the Breakers faced third-seeded Adelaide, who had entered the playoffs on a ten-game winning streak. Despite Adelaide’s hot form, New Zealand dominated game one (111–82) at Vector Arena, with Webster delivering a career-high 24 points. Game two shifted to Adelaide, where the Breakers maintained their momentum, securing a 94–83 victory to sweep the series and advance to the Grand Final.

The championship series pitted New Zealand against the Cairns Taipans, the first regional centre team to win the minor premiership since the Geelong Cats in 1984. Despite Cairns holding home-court advantage, the Breakers secured a commanding game one victory (86–71), led by Jackson’s 22 points. Game two in Auckland proved far more dramatic, with Taipans guard Scottie Wilbekin tying the game on two free throws with just 1.2 seconds left in regulation. However, Ekene Ibekwe caught the inbounds pass, turned, and hit a game-winning fade-away jumper to clinch an 83–81 victory and the Breakers’ fourth title in five seasons.

Jackson (15 points) earned his third championship and was named Grand Final MVP for the second time, becoming the first player in NBL history to win three championships in his first three seasons.

2015/16
After claiming their fourth title in five years, the Breakers retained the core of their championship-winning roster, losing only Rhys Carter (to Sydney) and Ekene Ibekwe (to Europe). They replaced the pair with Australian point guard Shane McDonald and rookie American big man Charles Jackson. Despite these additions, the Breakers faced significant challenges in the pre-season. Alex Pledger missed time while recovering from off-season foot surgery, Thomas Abercrombie was sidelined with a hamstring strain, and Corey Webster departed for a trial with the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. In response, New Zealand elevated development players Shea Ili and Tai Wynyard and signed Everard Bartlett as an injury replacement for Webster.

The Breakers endured a rough start to the season, beginning with a humbling loss to Adelaide in their opener (71–90). Without Webster, Abercrombie, and Pledger, New Zealand struggled offensively, with Cedric Jackson (14 points) leading a depleted scoring effort. Their 26-point first half became the second-lowest first-half score and the second-largest halftime deficit in team history.

A 1–3 record to start the season was turned around with the return of Corey Webster (19.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) after his NBA aspirations fell short. To accommodate Webster’s return, Duane Bailey was released, and Bartlett, originally an injury replacement, was retained for the remainder of the season. With Webster back, the Breakers surged to win nine of their next eleven games and appeared title-ready by Round 10 (10–5). However, a mid-season slump saw them lose five of their next six games (11–10), dropping out of the top four. In January, the Breakers endured their worst losing streak since the 2008/09 season, dropping five straight games (0–5). Despite this, they finished the season on a high, winning their final five games to claim fourth place (16–12) and the last playoff berth, edging out Adelaide.

In the semifinals, New Zealand swept ladder leaders Melbourne (2–0) to secure their fifth NBL Grand Final appearance in six years. This set up another clash with Perth, a rematch of several past Grand Finals.

Game one in Perth saw the Wildcats claim victory (82–76), relying on Nathan Jawai’s presence in the paint and Casey Prather’s defensive intensity. Back in Auckland for game two, Cedric Jackson (13 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists) delivered a near triple-double, propelling the Breakers to a series-tying win (72–68).

The decisive game three was played in front of 13,090 fans in Perth, where the Wildcats dominated to avenge their previous Grand Final loss. Casey Prather (19 points) and Jermaine Beal (14 points) led the scoring, but it was Damian Martin’s defensive masterpiece that sealed the game. Martin held Cedric Jackson scoreless on five attempts and forced him to foul out early in the fourth quarter, earning Grand Final MVP honours. The Wildcats claimed their seventh championship with a resounding win (75–52).

The loss marked New Zealand’s first defeat to Perth in playoff history and their first Grand Final series loss.

Corey Webster (19.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Thomas Abercrombie delivered an impressive season, averaging 14.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

2016/17
Following their 2016 Grand Final loss, the Breakers experienced significant off-season changes, with head coach Dean Vickerman and chief executive Richard Clarke departing. Paul Henare was promoted from assistant coach to head coach, while Dillon Boucher took over as general manager.

Cedric Jackson and Tai Wesley also exited, joining Melbourne United, while the Breakers retained core players Thomas Abercrombie, Corey Webster, Alex Pledger, and Mika Vukona. The team re-signed club legend Kirk Penney and filled their two import slots with Ben Woodside and Akil Mitchell. Additionally, young New Zealand players Finn Delany, Shea Ili, and Jordan Ngatai were elevated from development roles to the full roster.

Injuries plagued the Breakers throughout the season. Pre-season setbacks included injuries to Ili (back), Penney (calf), and Webster (hip and back), forcing them to miss significant time early in the season. When Webster returned mid-season, he struggled to regain form, with his production dropping from 19.6 points per game the prior season to 11.7 points per game as he battled lingering injuries. Abercrombie (11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) and Woodside (8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals) also missed games due to injuries. In January, during a loss to Cairns (81–94), Akil Mitchell suffered a traumatic eye injury after being poked by Taipans centre Nnanna Egwu. Mitchell’s left eyeball came out of its socket, and though his vision was restored that night, he returned to the United States for further specialist care.

Webster attempted a second return to the court later in the season, but his injuries were deemed too severe, and he was shut down for the remainder of the year. In response, the Breakers added Paul Carter (9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) and replaced an underperforming Woodside with David Stockton, the son of NBA legend John Stockton. Stockton (8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists) played only 10 games before succumbing to injury and being replaced by another import, Kevin Dillard.

Dillard (18.1 points, 4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals) and Penney (17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) provided a late-season spark, leading the Breakers on a four-game winning streak that revived their playoff hopes. However, consecutive losses in Round 17 dropped the team to fifth place (14–14), dashing their postseason aspirations. Despite finishing with two wins to close the season, they fell short of the playoffs.

Abercrombie concluded the season with averages of 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

2017/18
After an injury-riddled campaign, the Breakers aimed to rebuild in Paul Henare’s second season as head coach. Kevin Dillard, who had joined the team late in 2016/17, was retained, with hopes of carrying over the success seen during his brief tenure. However, the Breakers parted ways with Corey Webster after a series of disagreements, leading Webster to initially sign with Perth. He later requested a release before the season started to pursue opportunities in Europe after impressing during the 2017 NBA Summer League. The Breakers retained most of their roster and, with the NBL expanding import slots from two to three, added backcourt duo DJ Newbill and Édgar Sosa.

New Zealand began the season strongly, starting 6–1 after five rounds. Newbill (13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals) and Sosa (15.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists) led the charge with their unselfish play. Backup guard Shea Ili (9.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) was a standout off the bench, earning the NBL’s Most Improved Player award at season’s end.

The Breakers tied their best start in franchise history with a 7–1 record following a win over Perth on 9 November. They extended their streak to nine games, reaching 9–1 after defeating Brisbane on 19 November, heading into the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification break atop the NBL ladder.

However, the Breakers stumbled upon their return, losing four of their first five games after the FIBA break and dropping to 10–5 by Round 10. Dillard (18.1 points, 4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals) suffered an injury, prompting New Zealand to bring in NBA talent Rakeem Christmas (7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds) in early January to bolster their roster.

Despite back-to-back losses to end the regular season, the Breakers finished fourth (15–13) and faced Melbourne United, led by former Breakers coach Dean Vickerman, in the semifinals. United handed New Zealand consecutive defeats, including an overtime loss in Game 2 (88–86). The game marked the final appearance for club legend Kirk Penney (10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists), who scored 17 points in his farewell match.

Abercrombie ended the season averaging 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1 assist across 30 games.

2018/19
In 2018, the Breakers underwent significant changes as a new regime took over the organisation. In February, a consortium led by former NBA player Matt Walsh acquired majority ownership through Breakers Basketball Ltd, ending the 13-year tenure of Liz and Paul Blackwell as owners.

The off-season saw the departure of several long-standing figures. Paul Henare concluded his 15-year association with the club as a player and coach, Kirk Penney retired as New Zealand’s all-time leading scorer, and Alex Pledger (to Melbourne), Mika Vukona (to Brisbane), and Robert Loe (to Cairns) all signed with new teams. These changes paved the way for Thomas Abercrombie to step into the role of team captain following Vukona’s departure. Former Breakers player Kevin Braswell was appointed as head coach, tasked with rebuilding the roster.

The Breakers brought back Tai Wesley (via Melbourne) and signed Corey Webster (via Europe) to a three-year deal. Additional roster moves included the acquisitions of Jarrad Weeks (via Cairns) and Majok Majok (via Melbourne). New Zealand completed their roster by adding imports Patrick Richard, Armani Moore, and Shawn Long.

The season began with the Breakers travelling to the United States to face the Phoenix Suns in an NBLxNBA preseason game. Despite being underdogs, New Zealand pushed the Suns to the brink, losing 91–86 after a late-game surge. Corey Webster (27 points and 7 assists) and Tai Wesley (15 points and 7 rebounds) were instrumental offensively, while Phoenix relied on Deandre Ayton (21 points and 15 rebounds) and Trevor Ariza (16 points and 6 assists).

In the regular season, the Breakers struggled with inconsistency and roster challenges, enduring a five-game losing streak in late November and early December. By mid-season, the team had won just four of their first twelve games, which set the tone for a disappointing campaign.

Corey Webster (10.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists) recorded his lowest statistical output in five years, while Thomas Abercrombie (8.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) and Shea Ili (7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) also saw declines in their production. Imports Patrick Richard (11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) and Armani Moore (7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) underperformed relative to expectations.

In February 2019, Abercrombie reached a milestone by playing his 300th NBL game, a rare achievement for players who remain with a single club. Among his standout performances this season were a 20-point, 4-rebound, and 3-assist game against Illawarra (18 Jan 2019), where he shot 4-of-5 from three-point range, and an 18-point, 4-rebound outing against Sydney (9 Dec 2018). He also contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists against Cairns (16 Dec 2018).

Jarrad Weeks (10.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) provided a spark off the bench, enjoying a career-best season and earning runner-up honours for both the Best Sixth Man and Most Improved Player awards. Tai Wesley (14.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) continued his consistent play, while Shawn Long (18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks) ranked second in the league for rebounds and blocks. Long was named to the All-NBL Second Team and won the Breakers’ Club MVP.

Despite their efforts to rally late in the season, New Zealand finished with a 12–16 record, placing sixth on the ladder and missing the playoffs.

2019/20
Thomas Abercrombie played a pivotal role in the Breakers’ 2019/20 season, averaging 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. The team finished the regular season with a 15–13 record, narrowly missing the playoffs as they concluded in sixth place.

Abercrombie made history this season by becoming the first New Zealander and only the second player in NBL history—joining Daniel Kickert—to achieve membership in the prestigious 50-40-90 club. This accolade requires a player to shoot at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range, and 90 percent from the free-throw line throughout the regular season.

NBLxNBA is back ????@NZBreakers pic.twitter.com/8Bf7Q5jchH

— NBL (@NBL) July 9, 2024

2020/21
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020/21 NBL season faced significant delays, starting only in January 2021. The New Zealand Breakers were forced to relocate to Australia for the majority of the season, playing as the ‘home’ team in Tasmania for several games and only returning to New Zealand for their final seven games in late May.

The Breakers made notable off-season additions, including Brisbane Bullets star Lamar Patterson and Colton Iverson as import players. Additionally, Tai Webster returned to the team after a seven-year absence, having previously left to play college basketball at Nebraska. However, their season began with a setback as leading scorer Corey Webster suffered a hand injury while cutting an avocado in his kitchen, slicing a nerve that sidelined him for the first month of the season.

The team struggled early, playing 29 consecutive games on the road and managing just one win in their first eight contests—a six-point victory over Cairns. Lamar Patterson (10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) sustained a knee injury against Illawarra on February 22, after only six games, prompting his release. Patterson, a two-time NBL First Team All-Star during his time with Brisbane, was unable to replicate his past form for the Breakers. To fill the gap, New Zealand signed Jeremy Kendle as a short-term replacement, sparking a brief resurgence as the team went 3–1 in the subsequent four games.

The Breakers faced continuous challenges with injuries and player availability throughout the season. Key players Robert Loe (20 games), Thomas Abercrombie (9 games), Corey Webster (8 games), and Tai Webster (7 games) all missed significant time. The team made roster adjustments, bringing in William McDowell-White (7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5 assists) as a replacement for Corey Webster and signing Levi Randolph (14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals) to replace Patterson, which led to the release of Kendle (7.0 points per game).

Despite these changes, the Breakers’ fortunes did not improve, as they dropped five of their next six games and found themselves at the bottom of the ladder with a 4–9 record after 13 games. Corey Webster briefly returned in February but was sidelined again on March 13 due to a knee injury, missing another four weeks. COVID-19 disruptions further complicated the season, forcing the team to relocate frequently in search of venues with minimal restrictions.

The Breakers returned to New Zealand for their final seven games, where they posted a 3–4 record. Tai Webster (17.2 points, 5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.2 steals) led the team in scoring, while Finn Delany (16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) delivered a breakout season and was named the club’s MVP after significantly increasing his scoring from the previous season. Thomas Abercrombie (10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists) made valuable contributions despite missing the final nine games due to injury and finished as runner-up for the NBL’s Best Defensive Player award.

The Breakers ended the season with a 12–24 record, finishing second-last on the ladder.

2021/22
The Breakers faced an even tougher season in 2021/22, as they were unable to play any home games due to COVID-19 restrictions, ultimately finishing last in the league standings.

The team decided to part ways with Corey Webster and move him to a bench role before he opted to terminate his contract and play in Europe. Tai Webster followed suit, exiting his contract due to the league’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. In their absence, the Breakers signed Yanni Wetzell (via South East Melbourne) and import players Peyton Siva, Hugo Besson, and Jeremiah Martin. French prospect Ousmane Dieng also joined the team under the NBL’s Next Star program.

Injuries plagued the roster early in the season, with Peyton Siva and Thomas Abercrombie sidelined, while a COVID-19 outbreak hit the team just before the start of the season. Chasson Randle (7.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) was signed as a replacement for Siva. The Breakers started the season 0–6 but saw brief improvement after Siva’s return. However, Jeremiah Martin (12.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals) was released in favor of retaining Randle after Siva’s recovery.

The Breakers faced the season based in Tasmania due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, and their struggles continued. Yanni Wetzell (17.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks) was the team’s standout player, winning the club MVP award despite leaving for Europe with a month remaining in the season. Hugo Besson (13.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) and Finn Delany (10 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 assists) elevated their play late in the season but could not prevent the team from finishing with a 5–23 record, marking the worst season in the club’s 19-year history.

Thomas Abercrombie averaged 7.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists for the season, contributing consistently despite the team’s challenges.

2022/23
With the departure of head coach Dan Shamir, the New Zealand Breakers promoted assistant Mody Maor to the head coaching role, marking a fresh chapter for the team as they entered their first season of regular home games in two years.

The Breakers underwent significant roster changes during the off-season, losing six of their top eight players, including Yanni Wetzell, Hugo Besson, Peyton Siva, Finn Delany, Ousmane Dieng, and Chasson Randle. Returning from the previous season were only Robert Loe, William McDowell-White, and team captain Thomas Abercrombie.

To rebuild, the Breakers signed Tom Vodanovich (via Sydney), Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa, and Cameron Gliddon (both via South East Melbourne) for perimeter defense and shooting off the bench. They added import players Dererk Pardon, Jarrell Brantley, and Barry Brown Jr., while utilizing the NBL Next Star Program to sign French NBA prospect Rayan Rupert.

Abercrombie was sidelined for the first month of the season due to a torn retina. Despite this setback, the Breakers began their campaign with a narrow loss to Melbourne. However, by Round 4, they had already matched their win total from the previous season, signaling their resurgence.

In Round 5, the Breakers demolished Adelaide (99-70) in a dominant display led by Brown Jr. (22 points) and Brantley (22 points and four steals). The team forced 18 turnovers while shooting 50% from beyond the arc (15 of 30). Two nights later, New Zealand claimed their biggest-ever victory at Spark Arena, defeating Tasmania 94-62, a result that propelled them to the top of the NBL ladder.

After enduring two seasons on the road, the Breakers re-established themselves as contenders. A top-of-the-table clash with Sydney soon followed, and while New Zealand staged a remarkable late-game rally, outscoring the Kings 31-17 in the final quarter, they ultimately fell short 81-77. Brown Jr. led the charge with 22 points, but the game also saw Rupert sidelined for two months due to a broken wrist.

New Zealand maintained a consistent battle with Cairns for second place during the final month of the regular season. Key victories over Brisbane and Illawarra allowed them to leapfrog Cairns and secure second place with an 18-10 record, clinching their first playoff appearance in five years.

Abercrombie averaged 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, providing veteran leadership and defensive prowess throughout the season. Barry Brown Jr. (19.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals) and Dererk Pardon (11.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) were named to the All-NBL Second Team, with Brown Jr. also earning the league’s Best Sixth Man award. Jarrell Brantley (16.2 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals) was named the Breakers Club MVP.

In the semi-finals, New Zealand faced Tasmania and opened the series with a wire-to-wire 88-68 victory. The Breakers built a 16-point first-half lead before dominating the second half 49-31. Pardon led the way with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while McDowell-White contributed 13 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Tasmania responded with an 89-78 victory in Game 2, led by Milton Doyle’s 23 points. However, New Zealand secured the series in Game 3 with a gritty 92-77 win. Brown Jr. was the standout performer, scoring 32 points (10/16 from the field and 2/2 from deep), while Pardon recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

In the NBL Championship Series, New Zealand claimed a stunning Game 1 victory over Sydney (95-87) at Qudos Bank Arena. McDowell-White came close to a triple-double with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Brown Jr. added 19 points off the bench. However, Sydney bounced back in Game 2 with an 81-74 win, spearheaded by Justin Simon’s clutch performance.

The series returned to Sydney for Game 3, where a record-breaking crowd of 18,049 watched the Kings dominate 91-68. Walton Jr. and Cooks combined for 22 points, while McDowell-White led the Breakers with 11 points.

Game 4 saw the Breakers respond with an 80-70 victory in Auckland to force a decisive Game 5. Brantley (23 points), McDowell-White (19 points), and Brown Jr. (20 points) all delivered in the do-or-die match.

In Game 5, the Breakers built an 11-point first-quarter lead but struggled to close out the game. Sydney mounted a 14-0 fourth-quarter run to secure a 77-69 victory and claim their first back-to-back titles since their 2003-2005 three-peat. Walton Jr. (21 points and 6 assists) was named Finals MVP, while Brown Jr. led New Zealand with 22 points.

The Championship Series drew a record 67,811 fans, the highest attendance in NBL Grand Final history.

2023/24
The Breakers prioritized re-signing William McDowell-White on a two-year deal during the off-season. McDowell-White, who had an outstanding NBL23 season, saw staying with the Breakers under coach Mody Maor as the ideal way to continue developing his game. The team also welcomed back Finn Delany after a season in Germany on a two-year contract. Alongside these key re-signings, the Breakers retained core players Cameron Gliddon, Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa, and team captain Thomas Abercrombie. Complementary additions included Mangok Mathiang (via Illawarra), Dane Pineau (via South East Melbourne), and Lithuanian prospect Mantas Rubstavicius under the NBL Next Star Program. Outgoing imports Barry Brown Jr. (to China), Jarrell Brantley (to France), and Dererk Pardon (to Italy) were replaced with Parker Jackson-Cartwright (via Turkey), Zylan Cheatham (via Germany), and Justinian Jessup, returning to the NBL after a stint in the G-League.

New Zealand started their season with a 98–87 victory over Cairns, a game that marked Thomas Abercrombie’s 400th appearance for the Breakers. However, they followed it with a narrow loss to Brisbane (84–89) before heading to the USA for an NBLxNBA exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns. With injuries affecting the roster, the Breakers added former NBA forward Anthony Lamb. Despite being underdogs, they pushed the Suns to the limit, cutting the lead to four in the final minute before ultimately losing 91–86. The Breakers were led offensively by Corey Webster (27 points and 7 assists) and Tai Wesley (15 points and 7 rebounds), while Phoenix relied on Deandre Ayton (21 points and 15 rebounds) and Trevor Ariza (16 points and 6 assists).

Returning from the USA, the Breakers extended their losing streak to five games due to roster changes and injuries before securing a much-needed win over Cairns (91–81). Injuries to key players—Delany (11 games), Cheatham (11 games), McDowell-White (6 games), and Rubstavicius (5 games)—disrupted the team’s rhythm. Jessup was eventually released after failing to recover from a pelvis injury. By January, New Zealand (8–12) had fallen to the bottom of the ladder after three consecutive losses. However, the Breakers turned their season around, winning five of their last seven games to finish 13–15. Their points percentage placed them in sixth, advancing to the play-in tournament alongside Sydney (fifth) while eliminating Brisbane (seventh).

Thomas Abercrombie (4.3 points, 2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists) was a steadying presence for the Breakers throughout the season. His key performances included a 13-point, 4-rebound effort in the season opener against Brisbane (5 Oct 2023), a 10-point, 2-assist game against Sydney (22 Dec 2023), and a 9-point performance against Tasmania in the semi-final (16 Nov 2023). Abercrombie’s experience and leadership were invaluable in navigating the team through a turbulent season.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright (20.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.9 steals) emerged as the Breakers’ offensive leader, with significant contributions from Anthony Lamb (19.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), Zylan Cheatham (15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), and William McDowell-White (9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists).

In the play-in tournament, New Zealand overcame Sydney with an 83–76 victory, thanks to a stellar performance from Jackson-Cartwright (34 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds) and a strong contribution from Mathiang (10 points and 9 rebounds). However, in the second play-in game against Illawarra, despite solid efforts from Jackson-Cartwright (19 points and 9 assists) and Cheatham (12 points and 9 rebounds), the Breakers lost 85–88, missing a semifinal berth.

Abercrombie concluded his illustrious career as a 16-year veteran and captain of the Breakers, playing a record 425 games for the club. He set numerous records, including most games played, total points (4,432), and three-pointers made (568). Abercrombie also leads in most wins (239), playoff games (37), and steals (301). He remains the only Breaker to have participated in all six of the team’s championship series over 13 years, earning the 2011 Grand Final MVP and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history.

Thomas Abercrombie played sixteen seasons the New Zealand Breakers. He averaged 10.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1 assists in 426 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 38th in total games played.
– 36th in total blocks

Dan Boyce (815 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.