Doyle out for New Zealand trip after family tragedy

The reigning club MVP has travelled back home to the United States with his wife and children to attend the funeral and will not return in time for the weekend's fixture.

Coach Scott Roth revealed that Doyle found out the news just before the start of the JackJumpers' game against Adelaide - in which he contributed 20 points and six assists - and said it was a testament to his character that he still took to the court.

"He didn't tell anyone until after the game, he pulled me aside and was quite emotional about that," Roth said.

"In sports, most players, most athletes, the best way they can honour the family is to go out and play and that's what their family would want them to do.

"The fact that he went out and did the right thing by his family to represent him and who he was. I'm sure he was playing that game for his dad."

With the funeral occuring on the weekend, Roth said the team are giving him "as much breathing room as he needs" as he deals with the loss.

"We'll revisit with him probably on Monday or Tuesday and see where he's at and what his schedule looks like," he said.

"I know he wants to get back as soon as he can and, again, we're not trying to put any pressure on him other than to take care of his business."

"On behalf of the entire club, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Doyle family," JackJumpers chief executive Christine Flanagan said.

"Our thoughts are with Milton and his family at this time, and we will support them in any way we can through this difficult period."

The one-time All-NBL representative will be replaced by 27-year-old Somerset product Lachie Barker in the squad for their upcoming NBL contest against the NZ Breakers, which begins 5.30pm, Saturday, in Auckland.