Webster gets time off from national duty
Returning New Zealand Breakers guard Corey Webster has ruled himself out of the Tall Blacks’ next two World Cup qualifiers, against Syria and Lebanon.
Webster, who also missed the previous international window due to club commitments in China, requested time off from national team duties as he settles back into the country ahead of the upcoming Australian NBL season.
And no, Oklahoma City Thunder star Steven Adams did not make himself available for selection either.
Also unavailable were injured Breakers swingman Thomas Abercrombie and Us-based centre Jack Salt. Replacing Abercrombie, Salt and youngster Kruz Perrott in the 12-man squad are Tai Webster, Ethan Rusbatch and Tohi Smith-milner.
While the absence of Corey Webster, Abercrombie and Salt does leave the Tall Blacks without three potential starters, coach Paul Henare said New Zealand has the depth to make do.
‘‘We wanted Corey to be a part of this one but he’s asked for this window off due to personal reasons,’’ he said. ‘‘It is a big loss but as we’ve done, I believe, in every window since I’ve been in charge in the role of Tall Blacks coach, it just opens up opportunities for other guys.
‘‘Although we would love to have them, we carry on and it’s just business as usual for us.’’
Salt, a key figure in their most recent wins over Hong Kong and China, was not the only US college player that Henare wanted to select. Although he did not name names, he said there were ‘‘several’’ others in contention for what will be team’s first two crossover matches in group E.
The Tall Blacks depart for a five-day camp in Qatar, paid for by the Qatar Basketball Federation, on Monday before flying to Beirut ahead of their game against Syria on September 13.
They then face a mad dash back to New Zealand for their second game against Lebanon in Rotorua, just four days later.
Although Henare said the hectic travel schedule was not ideal, he was thankful for the opportunity to hold a training camp in Qatar on the way to Lebanon.
‘‘We don’t have the money to fund training camps at home,’’ he said. ‘‘Thankfully, we had some more invitations from Turkey, Italy and Georgia to go play in some of these tournaments where teams are getting prepared [for World Cup qualifiers].
‘‘The Qatar federation is effectively paying for us to stay there, train there and to have a couple of practice games.
‘‘From that point of view it was a no-brainer to be hosted for seven days. As you can imagine, it saves a huge amount of money.’’
At a glance
Shea Ili, Jarrod Kenny, Ethan Rusbatch, Tai Webster, Reuben Te Rangi, Dion Prewster, Jordan Ngatai, Isaac Fotu, Finn Delany, Mika Vukona (c), Rob Loe, Tohi Smith-milner.