Basketball: Tall Blacks' FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers roster a look to the future

12:21 pm on 4 November 2024

Corey Webster. New Zealand Tall Blacks v Canada, Basketball, Quaycentre, Sydney, Australia. 20th August 2019.

Tall Blacks guard Corey Webster. Photo: Photosport

A veteran Tall Blacks guard closing in on 100 games is joined by two potential debutants in new head coach Judd Flavell's first roster for the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

The 13-strong roster is led by guard Corey Webster, who has 97 appearances for New Zealand and significantly more court time in international basketball than any other player selected for this month's games against the Philippines in Manila, and against Chinese Taipei in Christchurch.

Izayah Le'afa, Tom Vodanovich, Tyrell Harrison, Sam Mennenga and Flynn Cameron - who are all currently playing in the Australian NBL - back up from this year's FIBA Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Greece.

The inclusion of Taylor Britt, Hyrum Harris and Walter Brown - who played at the 2023 FIBA World Cup - adds tournament experience to the roster.

The young talent in the front court of 22-year-old Mennenga, Sam Waardenburg (25) and Harrison (25), have the potential to feature in the black singlet together for the next decade.

Flavell has also given an opportunity to Taranaki teenager Oscar Goodman, who stood out at the recent FIBA U17 World Cup, to play his first minutes of senior international basketball.

The other potential debutant is Breakers development player Kaia Isaac.

Oscar Goodman at the U17, FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup Quarter Final in Istanbul Photo: FIBA

"When Judd rang and told me, I kind of didn't believe it at first but was then ecstatic to be a part of the Tall Blacks at the age I am at - it really is a dream come true," Goodman said from his base in Australia.

"Playing for New Zealand will always be on my radar - every year, every window I want a shot at playing for the Tall Blacks. Playing for your country is the biggest honour. I always take great pride in pulling on the singlet."

Oscar Goodman. Photo: FIBA

At 17 years 289 days when the Tall Blacks play the Philippines or 17 years, 293 days versus Chinese Taipei, Goodman will become the 8th or 9th youngest Tall Black if he takes to the court. Tai Wynard was the youngest ever at 16 years and 160 days when he debuted in 2014.

Isaac's selection comes during a big year for the 21-year-old, who was named NBL Rapid League MVP for his efforts with the Canterbury Rams, which also led to a development contract with the Breakers.

"I am very honoured to be selected for the Tall Blacks, but also to hear it from Judd - I have been working with him for the past three years, it was a surreal moment for me and my family to be selected by Judd. Putting on the Tall Blacks jersey is a massive honour," Isaac said.

"To represent the history, those who have gone in the past and to think I am now part of that in the present - I am just so honoured to represent my country and the culture of the team and nation."

Kaia Isaac of the Rams during the NZNBL Final Photo: Photosport

Flavell had worked with many of the players during his career at the Breakers, with New Zealand national teams, and more recently with the Canterbury Rams.

"I love that there are so many full circle moments, opportunities for me to work again with so many in this group - I have coached most of them in different environments and at different stages of their careers, to call them together as Tall Blacks is a really proud moment now for me as head coach."

The roster highlighted the depth at Flavell's disposal when selecting the national team, with just five players returning from last year's World Cup.

While Flavell appreciated there would always be players unavailable, he wanted to select his best players at every opportunity possible as he built cohesion on and off the floor in the short windows available to the team.

"Our opportunities together in the black singlet are becoming more frequent in Asia with the many FIBA windows but shorter in time with the days of four-to-six-week tours now a thing of the past. That puts a premium on cohesion, that must become a superpower of New Zealand basketball, the ability to bring our best available players together as often as possible if we are to achieve our goals.

"Yes, we are missing some experienced and skilled players, that is always the juggling act. We are constantly working with the players and their clubs to achieve the right balance."

If New Zealand win both games in this window the Tall Blacks will book a spot at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia next August, with two qualifiers still to play.