Webster returns but ruled out of key clash
The Breakers have had their hopes to reinstate Corey Webster for tomorrow’s must-win Australian National Basketball League clash against Brisbane dashed.
Breakers owner Matt Walsh understands Webster is in isolation – as part of the Government’s coronavirus restrictions on New Zealanders returning from China.
Webster arrived back in New Zealand on Tuesday after China’s national league was halted because of the coronavirus outbreak.
When his return was imminent, the Breakers began making inquiries to try to get the veteran guard reinstated as they look to push into the playoffs.
Under the Government’s restrictions however, New Zealanders returning from China have to spend 14 days in self-isolation. That would put him out of the last two regular season games for the Breakers.
If they make the playoffs, the Australian National Basketball League has agreed in preliminary talks to have him return to play, but the final decision ultimately remains with his league in China.
‘‘His Chinese club holds his Fiba letter of clearance and we are not sure what’s going on there,’’ Walsh said.
‘‘We are not sure if the league is going to be cancelled or resume in March, because of the coronavirus, so nobody is really that sure at this point.
‘‘If that season is officially cancelled, then Corey will be released from his contract and he’s ready to go [for the Breakers].’’
Webster was never cut from the Breakers but rather sent on loan midseason to the Zhejiang Guangsha club, which would make a possible return to play much easier.
Walsh said he believed Webster was in quarantine ‘‘for a few weeks’’ yet.
‘‘I can’t put a percentage on his chances of playing this season, but I’m optimistic.
‘‘The biggest hurdle was getting it cleared with the league [ANBL] and that has been done [in preliminary talks],’’ Walsh said.
Despite the side performing well in Webster’s absence (9-3), it’s a big blow in a week that also saw them say goodbye to NBA prospect RJ Hampton.
The 18-year-old has returned home to the US to begin his preparations for the upcoming NBA draft.
Quinton de Kock marked his first game as South Africa’s one-day captain with a century and a seven-wicket win over world champions England yesterday. De Kock made 107 and Temba Bavuma was out for 98 after a 173-run partnership with de Kock. England beat South Africa 3-1 in the test series between the teams but didn’t have the same success in their first ODI since the dramatic win over New Zealand in a Super Over in the World Cup final last July. England were in real strife at 131-6 and eventually struggled to 258-8 in their 50 overs. South Africa reached 259-3 with two overs and two balls to spare.