Henare finalises Tall Blacks’ World Cup squad At a glance
Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare has confirmed his final 12 players for the Fiba World Cup in China, with 17-year-old Taine Murray and Tom Vodanovich missing out.
Henare said both had contributed during their time with the team, but would have to bide their time for a first World Cup appearance.
‘‘These are always the most difficult decisions and all the more so when leading into a tournament such as a World Cup,’’ Henare said.
‘‘Tom and Taine have both shown they are going to return to this environment, and I hope will take a huge amount from their time in camp and on tour.
‘‘Taine has been on such a steep learning curve this whole time; he has grown immensely as a basketball player. He is a lovely young man, brought up well by his folks. He has a real desire to learn and grow in his craft.
‘‘Donnie’s [Vodanovich] enthusiasm and energy is fantastic, Tall Blacks
Guards: Shea Ili (Wellington Saints/Melbourne United), Jarrod Kenny (Bay Hawks/Cairns Taipans), Tai Webster (Galatasaray), Corey Webster (NZ Breakers), Ethan Rusbatch (Bay Hawks).
Small forwards: Tom Abercrombie (Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers), Jordan Ngatai (Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers).
Power forwards: Isaac Fotu (Universo Treviso), Finn Delany (Nelson Giants/NZ Breakers).
Centres: Alex Pledger (Southland Sharks/Melbourne United), Rob Loe (Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers), Tohi Smith-Milner (Melbourne United).
especially away from the floor given he hasn’t played as much as he would like, that hasn’t waned.
‘‘His input vocally at meetings and on the side of the court has been outstanding, both have had a positive impact on our team.’’
Henare said he was pleased with the final 12 players in the squad who will go to the World Cup.
‘‘The group we have decided
on is a well-balanced one in respect of their experience and their on-court roles and responsibilities,’’ he said.
‘‘Most important is their understanding of and ability to play the game we are looking to play as a team in China and we will continue to use the remainder of our build up to fine tune and look to be at our best on September 1 when we run out against Brazil.
‘‘We have had to deal with a couple of injuries and sickness prior to our initial selection and then here in Sydney, that has given other guys a chance to step up and play more minutes.
‘‘We head to China with an experienced group, but a group that knows they have a lot of hard work ahead, but they are ready to embrace this challenge.’’
The experience comes in the shape of Tom Abercrombie (third World Cup), while Jarrod Kenny, Corey Webster, Tai Webster, Alex Pledger, Rob Loe and Isaac Fotu are all attending their second World Cup.
Finn Delany, Shea Ili, Jordan Ngatai, Tohi Smith-Milner and Ethan Rusbatch have featured heavily for the Tall Blacks and New Zealand Select over the past four years.