Vukona out to turn tables after 2006
TALL Blacks legend Mika Vukona has no plans to make the Commonwealth Games his international basketball finale, with the hard-nosed forward keen to push on for his country.
The 35-year-old will lead New Zealand this week in Cairns before the tournament turns to the Gold Coast, starting tonight against Nigeria.
Vukona, considered one of the most respected players and competitors in the NBL, is the remaining link to the Kiwi side that fell to Australia at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Pero Cameron and Paul Henare were also in that Tall Blacks squad that fell in the gold-medal match but have since moved into the coaching ranks.
Experienced Breakers forward Vukona is keen to play international hoops for as long as possible with the next generation, including Reuben Te Rangi, Shea Ili, Finn Delany and Tohi Smith-Milner.
“You always think you have more in you than just this one tournament to go,” Vukona said.
“The talent that is coming through in New Zealand basketball are ready to break through, which is awesome.
“We will see what the coach and team needs in the future but right now I am focused on having a good go at this Commonwealth Games.”
After being beaten by the Boomers in Melbourne in 2006, Vukona believes his Tall Blacks can go one better this time.
“With a lot of these guys playing in the Australian NBL, we’ve seen all their players. There’s no unknown, no fear factor,” Vukona said.
“Everyone is eager to get this thing under way.
“We have got a tough pool. Australia, Nigeria, they are no slouches, and Canada, who are full of young university guys.
“Some of our group are young in age but they have lots of experience. A lot of these guys have done lots of tours as a Tall Black so they are ready.”
The Tall Blacks face Nigeria tonight before tackling the Boomers on Saturday in Cairns.