10 Oct 2014

Pledger facing fitness test

11:43 am on 10 October 2014

The Breakers are giving Alex Pledger as long as possible to prove his fitness for their National Basketball League season opener against the Wildcats.

Alex Pledger

Alex Pledger Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Pledger is suffering from turf toe and will eventually require surgery, but is trying to play through the pain to provide the Breakers with some much needed size.

The 2.15 metre centre is travelling to Perth with the team, but will have to pass a fitness test before the game against the defending champions.

If he is ruled out the new import, Ekene Ibekwe, will jump at centre, with Tai Wesley set to back him up off the bench.

The Breakers are also without the starting small forward Tom Abercrombie, who is still recovering from a hernia operation, and Reuben Te Rangi is set to start in his place.