NZ Breakers guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Photo: Photosport
After five games on the sideline, it's lesson learnt for Breakers point-guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright.
He was charged with pushing a game official during their Christmas clash with Tasmania and later handed a suspension.
He returns against the same opposition on Thursday night in Auckland, and hopes it is the last he sees of the judiciary.
"It's been a bit frustrating. It's an unusual circumstance for myself. I can't even remember the last time I've been ejected from a basketball game."
The American import was knocked to the floor by Reuben Te Rangi and in response Jackson-Cartwright got to his feet and charged at Te Rangi, making incidental contact with an official in the process.
"I meant no harm to anybody but I have accepted the situation, and hopefully everyone can move on from it."
During his time off, Jackson-Cartwright said he had reflected on his actions.
"It was a time that you look inward, you gain some more perspective. I was disappointed in the way I acted, but it the end, you accept it, you move past it, and come back with a mindset to win basketball games."
Parker Jackson-Cartwright of the Breakers. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
He said his biggest lesson has been not to take anything for granted.
"Everything is about choices, I wish I had some better disarmament in that moment but now I have let my emotions settle down, I have reflected on how much I love playing basketball, and not being able to be out there for the last few weeks has definitely hurt."
Jackson-Cartwright said he would like to think he will react differently in future.
"This is high level basketball, stakes are high, and people are competing their hearts out and with that comes physicality and sometimes things happen."
On court, it has also been a tough time for the Breakers, who languish in ninth. Only a mathematical miracle would see them make the playoffs.
"Every season has its adversity and we expect a lot of ourselves, we know what we have to do to make it work, and we are expected to do that," Jackson-Cartwright said.
Regarding his future in Auckland, Jackson-Cartwright said his focus was on finishing the season strongly.
"I never say never. I love this club, so I'm going to compete until my last game, whenever that is."
Thursday night's game against Tasmania will mark the Breakers' 100th appearance at Spark Arena.
"It's a big milestone for the club, a great moment for us as players to be part of history so it should be a special night."
However, he knows the defending champion JackJumpers present a stern challenge.
"They are champions so any time you're playing the champions it's going to be a tough game."
Tip off is at 7.30pm.
