Road to Recovery Still Unclear for Tom Abercrombie

First, the good news:  Tom Abercrombie’s surgery has been successful for a torn retina, and he will regain full sight in his left eye.
 
The bad news for Sky Sport Breakers’ fans is that it is now a waiting game on when we will see the captain back on the court again.
 
What we do know is Abercrombie is banned from flying to Australia for seven weeks.  However, he could theoretically be back a lot sooner and play home games once his vision returns to normal.
 
“I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years, but there is nothing I can do to hurry the process up, and it’s frustrating and disorientating,” says Abercrombie. 
 
It’s nine days since the father of three had surgery, but progress is slow, with part of the rehabilitation forcing him to lie down and not move for five days.
 
“Unfortunately, they had to put an air bubble in the eye to help it heal, extending the recovery a little bit longer,” he says.
 
The four-time NBL champion estimates he currently has only 50 percent vision out of his left eye.
 
“My vision is not great at the moment; it’s pretty blurry out of the bad eye; the problem is the big air bubble in my eye which is like a big blob,” he says.
 
The freak injury happened during the pre-season game against the Brisbane Bullets in Darwin last Sunday night.

Abercrombie started the game but played just 46 seconds.  Until he returns, his minutes are likely to be taken by French Next Star Rayan Rupert, who displayed remarkable poise in Darwin.  
 
Seven NBA teams sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old play last week, and he is currently ranked number 22 on ESPN’s most recent mock draft for next year. 
 
“Rayan had a fantastic pre-season; probably our best player out there,” says Abercrombie.
 
“The kid works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen.  If he can keep building on that and improving, it will be fantastic for us; he’s a terrific talent.”
 
The Breakers head to their opening NBL game against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena with a two-win, three-loss record from pre-season. 
 
Coach Mody Maor is dismissive of the results.
 
“The results are not what matters in pre-season; what matters is what you learn.  If you win all five games, it’s not a good thing; if you lose all five games, it’s not a good thing,” he says.
 
“You just gear yourself to improve, and now everyone is looking forward to game one.”
 
The game is live on Sky Sport 3 on Sunday from 3.30 pm.