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Rick Rickert - Source: Photosport -
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The New Zealand Breakers won't lack for motivation when they take on the Melbourne Tigers in the Australian National Basketball League at the North Shore Events Centre on Thursday night.
The game stacks up in its own right as a replay of last years memorable sell out semi final and with the Tigers winning on their home court last week, the Breakers will be looking to exact some revenge for both defeats.
But adding to the occasion is the 50th game in Breakers colours for popular American Rick Rickert. The Centre brings up the milestone in his third season with the club, albeit his time was interrupted by a serious back injury in year one.
The likeable year old is thrilled to bring up a half century on Thursday.
"Its pretty cool, 50 games in three seasons, wow. I'm just happy to be a part of the Breakers family and the Breakers club, to bring up 50 games is a nice personal milestone but for me it is all about the club and the group chasing the same goals.
"We have made good progress each year and we are looking to win the championship this year. My view hasn't changed a great deal, I came here to win and go for a championship, which is still the goal. We have been building towards that and making improvements each year.
"The club has grown each year as a group, as a Breakers family and we just add pieces to the puzzle as we see fit when we need them. It is nice to always be growing and I feel we are again ready to step up another level this year."
Rickert returned to the Breakers this season in a much publicised move that caught many by surprise, choosing a return to the club over other more lucrative offers with a view to settling in to New Zealand with his family.
And with a new baby daughter, Rickert and his wife Cici have plenty to keep them occupied outside of training and playing time. This Thursday night though they will both be courtside amongst a big home crowd, willing the big centre on to one of his typically energizing performances if the Breakers are to overturn the tables on their foes from Melbourne.
And you can bet the fans will be hoping for a stellar night for one of their favourites, with the trademark 'aeroplane' on show as Rickert heads back up court after making a big play.
The Breakers will also acknowledge Boomer forward Oscar Forman bringing up his 100th game for the club (consecutively too) on the road trip in Australia last week.
