Tall Blacks duo return for security of New Zealand

Tall Blacks basketballer Rob Loe has bailed out on his off-season stint in Japan to return to New Zealand because of the coronavirus outbreak, while Italy-based national team-mate Isaac Fotu is already back home going through his fortnight of self-isolation.

Loe’s season with Paul Henare’s Kagawa Five Arrows team in Japan’s national second division league has come to a premature end after he decided to cut it short after just two games.

The Japan league resumed at the weekend after a three-week suspension of competition and Loe played, and impressed, in both games . He had 23 points, 17 rebounds and four assists in a 100-91 home victory over Ehime Orange Vikings, which followed 13 points and 10 boards in a 98-77 loss to the same opponents a night earlier.

Kagawa, coached by former Tall Blacks mentor Henare, sit second in the West division of the Japanese B2 league on a 27-18 record.

The Breakers, whom Loe remains contracted to, confirmed the centre would return to New Zealand this afternoon and would immediately enter the mandatory two weeks of self-isolation required by the government.

Fotu, who has been playing for Treviso in Italy’s Serie A league, has already returned to New Zealand and entered self-isolation after being released by his club.

The Italian league, like almost every competition in Europe, has shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tall Blacks forward confirmed via Twitter his arrival back in New Zealand and entry into the self-isolation period.

‘‘Just landed home in NZ and I’m going straight into self quarantine!,’’ he said on the social media channel.

‘‘I’ve seen first-hand how bad this thing can get. I’ll see y’all in 2 weeks. I’m doing this thing right.

‘‘Let’s all do the right thing and protect our loved ones and our beautiful country.’’

Fotu also confirmed he was well set up for his quarantine period.

‘‘My mum set up a nice isolation room in our house away from everyone else. Got everything I need . . . a bed, a couch, a TV, PlayStation, table and a jug for my coffees.’’