The struggling NZ Breakers have suffered another blow, with the loss of Rob Loe for the remainder of their 2020/21 ANBL campaign.
The Tall Blacks big man has left the squad to return to New Zealand, due to undisclosed "personal reasons", and will take no further part in the season.
The 29-year-old is due to depart on Friday, but it's unclear if he's been able to secure an exemption to secure a late-notice spot in MIQ managed isolation.
Loe's departure will open up more minutes for American import Colton Iverson, who's the only other centre on the Breakers roster.
Coach Dan Shamir may also choose to play more 'small ball' line-ups that use the likes of Kyrin Galloway or Daniel Trist in the middle.
On Thursday, the Breakers - who have been in Australia since December 13 - arrived in Melbourne, where they will play all eight other teams over the next month in the inaugural NBL Cup.
They play their first game of the new tournament against Illawarra Hawks on Monday.
The Breakers currently sit at the bottom of the ANBL ladder, with just one win from their five games to date.
