‘Heartbreaking’ blow confirmed as key import ruled out for rest of season — NBL Daily

The New Zealand Breakers’ season has taken a major hit, with import Rob Baker ruled out for the remainder of the year after suffering an ACL injury at HoopsFest.

Here is the latest edition of NBL Daily.

BREAKERS FORWARD ROB BAKER II RULED OUT FOR SEASON WITH ACL INJURY

Breakers import Rob Baker has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury during New Zealand’s 104–86 HoopsFest victory over the Cairns Taipans on the weekend.

Baker underwent an MRI scan in Melbourne, which confirmed a rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The club has since confirmed he will require surgery followed by an extensive rehabilitation period, sidelining him for the rest of the Breakers’ season.

Breakers Head of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher released a statement addressing the injury.

“We are absolutely devastated for Rob. Since arriving, he has been a consummate professional and a vital part of our starting group. To see his season end like this, especially after such a gritty win in Cairns, is heartbreaking,” Boucher said.

“Rob has the full support of the entire BNZ Breakers organisation. We will do everything we can to assist him through his surgery and rehabilitation process.”

The club has confirmed Baker will remain with the team in the immediate term as he prepares for surgery.

In 25 appearances this season, Baker averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game, shooting 46.0 per cent from the field.

The Breakers have also confirmed they will evaluate their roster options, but with the signing deadline having already passed, any potential additions would require league approval.

New Zealand will next take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix tomorrow night at the State Basketball Centre, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30pm AEDT.

READ MORE

The coaching masterstrokes, ruthless roster moves behind NBL’s ‘unbelievable turnaround’

Top 10 biggest NBL free agents to watch — including champ whose price is at an all-time high