'Circled that one for a while': Tai on NZ homecoming

It will be the enigmatic guard's first time playing in New Zealand since joining the Wildcats late last season, and is expecting plenty of friends and family in the stands at Spark Arena.

The 28-year-old, who was born in Auckland, started his NBL career as a Breaker back in 2012-13 as a development player and won a title in his first season before going to college in the US.

He had a second stint with the Breakers in 2020-21 which was cut short by a season-ending Achilles injury.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve circled that one for a while,” Webster said.

“I’ve had my eye on that game for sure to get back and play in front of the family. I might have overdone it with my ticket allowance for this game. The Websters will be there in full effect.”

Webster said he was looking forward for reminding Breakers fans who he is in his first NBL appearance in the country since dropping 26 points for the home side back in June, 2021.

“It’s time to remind them that I do my thing out there. I’m looking forward to going back and playing in front of them. It’s been a while. I’m looking forward to reminding them who I am,” Webster said.

“It’s the same old Tai. They’re used to it. They’ve seen me out there doing my thing there before. It’s the same old Tai. Nothing has changed.”

The Wildcats fly to Auckland via Sydney on Saturday morning and arrive after midnight on Sunday ahead of a 4pm start local time (11am WA time).

It will be the last of a four-game road trip which started back on December 23 with an overtime loss to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena before back-to-back wins over Cairns and Adelaide respectively.

“It’s tough. We’re getting into New Zealand at 12 o’clock and playing the game the next day at four. It’s going to be absolutely a mission to get through that,” he said.

“It’s part of the job. You’ve got to do it. You’ve got to stay focused and get as much rest as you can, stay hydrated and focus on the mission.

“It’s important to get recovered as much as possible so you don’t just end up dropping a game because you come out flat. The Breakers are playing well. We can’t afford to come out flat against them.”