Adams again puts block play on representing Tall Blacks
Adams is in New Zealand hosting basketball camps and golf tournaments, and the Hong Kong clash is being played in his home town, Rotorua.
Steven Adams has tallied 439 blocks in his professional career, but none have been quite as convincing as his rejection of the Tall Blacks.
The Oklahoma City Thunder basketball star has made himself unavailable for the Tall Blacks’ 20-man extended squad announced yesterday for two World Cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and China, continuing his national team absence.
There was misguided optimism in some circles that this round of qualifiers would see Adams pull on the black singlet for the first time. The games fall in the NBA offseason, Adams is in New Zealand hosting basketball camps and golf tournaments, and the Hong Kong clash is being played in his home town of Rotorua.
Instead, Adams’ self-imposed international exile continues — a decision that may disappoint the Tall Blacks, but was hardly unexpected.
It is at that 2019 World Cup where Adams would be a pivotal addition; the player who could push the Tall Blacks from their usual role of potent
underdogs to a side more capable of pulling off a deep run.
But, although Adams said he would be keen to play for New Zealand “when the time was right”, with each passing opportunity it feels that time may be non-existent. Even though some may prefer more clarity about his reasoning for snubbing the national team — coach Paul Henare hasn’t even received a reason — but he is under no obligation to provide it, and although the Tall Blacks may be disappointed, they have created an experienced core in his absence.
Not all of that core is available for the upcoming window, however. Tai Webster is set to join the Sacramento Kings camp as he chases his NBA dream, Alex Pledger is also missing, while the Tall Blacks are in negotiations with Corey Webster’s Chinese team for him to be released for the games. Shea Ili is not named in the squad due to his NBA camp with the Dallas Mavericks, but will return in time for the qualifiers.
As usual with these Tall Blacks camps, there are a bunch of young players in the mix, too. Jack Salt is back from college and will likely make the final 12, while players such as Tobias Cameron, Isaac Letoa and Jackson Stent also have put their hands up for selection on their breaks from collegiate play.
Max Darling, 17, gets a chance after his superb NBL form with the Canterbury Rams, while the coaching staff will take a look at Brisbane Bullets development player Tyrell Harrison, a promising seven footer who plays in the Australian state leagues and has dual eligibility.
All up, there could be a few notable absentees in the final 12, but for now, there is no absence more notable than that of Adams.