New Zealand Breakers swingman Tom Abercrombie says he'll be out for vengeance in Sunday's NBL opener against Cairns.
The Taipans swept Abercrombie's Breakers 4-0 in last year's NBL, contributing to the Kiwi side's failure to reach the play-offs.
It was just the second time in seven seasons they fell out of the top four.
The well-travelled Abercrombie, who has played across Europe and Turkey, said he'd keep that fact in the back of his mind on Sunday night.
He couldn't wait to get going in Auckland.
"No-one likes being reminded of that sort of record against any team, even more so given they made the post-season and we missed out," Abercrombie said.
"So yeah, while we feel we owe them something, it's more about this season, protecting our home gym, getting the season off to a strong start."
Having skipped the Tall Blacks' Asia Cup run in August and played only a short off-season stint in Turkish basketball, Abercrombie said he - as well as the likes of Mika Vukona and Alex Pledger - was fit and firing.
A full off-season had helped recharge the batteries ahead of this year's launch, with a steady run of pre-season results to show for it.
A two-from-three record in this year's NBL Blitz tournament in Victoria was followed by two pre-season wins and a loss on Kiwi soil.
Abercrombie said his fellow Breakers appeared sharper than ever on court, and were combining well with imports Edgar Sosa and DJ Newbill.
"You can feel the difference as well as literally see the difference on the floor," the 30-year-old Abercrombie said.
"It's perhaps no coincidence we've gone four-and-two (in pre-season).
"I've loved the chance to have a good break with the family and then get in the gym and focus solely on strength and conditioning."
