Basketball: Mody Maor gives biggest reassurance over coaching future as NZ Breakers' season comes to an end

The Breakers' ANBL season may be over after Monday night's playoff defeat to Illawarra Hawks, but the club have had the strongest reassurance yet over the future of coach Mody Maor.  

Scores were tied at half-time, and while the Breakers led heading into the final minute of the game, they weren't able to hang on, and missed out on the semi-finals courtesy of the 88-85 defeat.  

While reflecting on his side's injury-ravaged campaign, Maor indicated getting through the 2023-24 season made him look forward to another tilt, beginning later this year.  

"I think this roster was incredible, and we never had a chance to see it in full," he said post-match.  

"This team played [with] a full roster for eight minutes this season. We had a combined 82 games missed by our top eight players. That's more than two-and-a-half players a game.  

"If I'd be as lucky to keep everybody, it would be awesome. In reality, most of our guys played really, really well.  

"They'll probably go to make a lot of money somewhere else. 

"I'll be happy for them, and I'll enjoy coaching new guys next year."  

Maor has been a revelation since taking over as Breakers head coach from Dan Shamir at the start of last season.  

In 2022/23, he led the Breakers from a last-placed finish under Shamir to the ANBL finals, to within one game of winning the title, which they lost out to Sydney Kings.  

Monday's defeat also marked the end of captain Tom Abercrombie's illustrious career.  

The 36-year-old played a record 429 games for the club, and won the championship on four occasions.  

In Abercrombie's honour, the Breakers' No.10 jersey will be retired.   

The Breakers' ANBL season may be over after Monday night's playoff defeat to Illawarra Hawks, but the club have had the strongest reassurance yet over the future of coach Mody Maor.  

Scores were tied at half-time, and while the Breakers led heading into the final minute of the game, they weren't able to hang on, and missed out on the semi-finals courtesy of the 88-85 defeat.  

While reflecting on his side's injury-ravaged campaign, Maor indicated getting through the 2023-24 season made him look forward to another tilt, beginning later this year.  

"I think this roster was incredible, and we never had a chance to see it in full," he said post-match.  

"This team played [with] a full roster for eight minutes this season. We had a combined 82 games missed by our top eight players. That's more than two-and-a-half players a game.  

"If I'd be as lucky to keep everybody, it would be awesome. In reality, most of our guys played really, really well.  

"They'll probably go to make a lot of money somewhere else. 

"I'll be happy for them, and I'll enjoy coaching new guys next year."  

Maor has been a revelation since taking over as Breakers head coach from Dan Shamir at the start of last season.  

In 2022/23, he led the Breakers from a last-placed finish under Shamir to the ANBL finals, to within one game of winning the title, which they lost out to Sydney Kings.  

Monday's defeat also marked the end of captain Tom Abercrombie's illustrious career.  

The 36-year-old played a record 429 games for the club, and won the championship on four occasions.  

In Abercrombie's honour, the Breakers' No.10 jersey will be retired.   

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