Tall Blacks door open for Adams
Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare says the door remains open for Steven Adams despite the Kiwi NBA star not being named in an extended 23-man squad ahead of their FIBA World Cup qualifier against South Korea in Wellington on November 23.
Henare named his enlarged squad yesterday featuring several overseas-based players.
He noted that he wanted his best players involved and committed from the start of their campaign in the build up to FIBA World Cup and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
But American-based college players and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Adams were not made available and Henare said they would all have a chance to come in down the line.
‘‘The US based players do not get dispensation for FIBA windows during their US seasons, so we have had to overlook those players during that time. But there are other opportunities to bring them in and for them to push their case for inclusion in future windows and tournaments outside of that US season.’’
Henare will have to cut back his squad to 12 players before the match against Korea at TSB Bank Arena.
There are plenty of returning faces, including Europe-based stars Isaac Fotu and Tai Webster and Israel-based Corey Webster, after the Tall Blacks sent a youthful side to the FIBA Asia Cup.
Henare said it was important to get his stars back involved.
‘‘The Asia Cup was fantastic, a huge success for the players that wore the singlet so proudly and well, but also in helping us build depth and competition within the wider group for the Tall Blacks. That said, I was always committed to then choosing the best group from the available player pool for the World Cup qualifiers, and the Korea game is going to be one of if not the hardest game we will play in our pool.
‘‘I have had good conversations with all of the players and all understand the journey we are on over the next three years leading into Tokyo. Isaac, Tai and Corey have never wavered in their commitment to the black singlet and all indicated their keenness to be a part of this. Importantly with the FIBA windows, they also have the blessing from their clubs and the onus is on us to look after them, and deliver them back to their clubs in good condition.’’
Players from that Asia Cup roster named in the wider group include Shea Ili, Jordan Ngatai, Finn Delany, Luke Aston, Derone Raukawa, Reuben Te Rangi, Ethan Rusbatch, Dyson King-Hawea and James Hunter.
Michael Fitchett has replaced Ross McMains as assistant coach for the windows that McMains is unavailable for due to his coaching commitments in the United States.