‘Now or never’ for Adams and the Tall Blacks

Rotorua factor may tip NBA star’s hand, reports Marc Hinton.

As the Tall Blacks prepare to take their shot at Commonwealth Games gold in Australia, senior members admit a ‘‘now-or-never’’ scenario could be looming for Kiwi NBA star Steven Adams.

Adams, of course, still has yet to play for his country as he puts together an increasingly impressive NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. So far – and it’s hard to argue with his logic – the 24-year-old New Zealander has prioritised his professional commitments over whatever ambitions he may have to pull on the Tall Blacks singlet.

But could that be change?

After the Commonwealth Games tournament, where Paul Henare’s Tall Blacks will likely battle the hot favourite hosts for gold, the next time the national men’s basketball side gathers will be at the end of June for the next Fiba Asia World Cup qualifying window. The New Zealanders host Hong Kong in Rotorua on June 28 and then China in Auckland on July 1.

It is the potential of Adams making his Tall Blacks debut in his home town of Rotorua in the first of the Fiba windows that fall in the NBA off-season that has senior Tall Blacks Tom Abercrombie and Mika Vukona particularly excited. about to

They both admit that so favourable are the circumstances – with just a small block of time, outside the NBA’s lengthy season and the Rotorua factor – it could well be now or never in terms of Adams suiting up in his country’s colours.

‘‘It would be the ideal time,’’ said Abercrombie, one of eight Breakers lining up for the Commonwealth Games tournament in Queensland. ‘‘As players, we don’t know what Steve is thinking. But I can guarantee this: he’s not thinking about it right now.

‘‘Certainly after their season finishes those conversations will start to happen, and if he can come back and play for us in that window it would be a special thing to be part of.

‘‘There are so many factors that go into it, but a few of those stars have aligned with Rotorua and the off-season and we just need the rest to come into place as well.’’

Added Vukona: ‘‘How good would that be? It’s his backyard too, so everybody’s fingers are crossed on that one. Let’s hope they get through the playoffs unscathed, and then we’ll wait and see.’’

Both Vukona and Abercrombie confirmed they hoped to return as Breakers after coming off contract with the Kiwi ANBL outfit.

‘‘Even though guys are dropping like flies around me in terms of my age group, the fire is still there,’’ Vukona said. ‘‘I didn’t have a strong season in terms of what I can do, but it’s there, and the body held up well . . . I’m not done yet.’’

Abercrombie, who confirmed he will sit out the New Zealand NBL to work on his off-season conditioning, said he hoped the core of the Breakers team that exited at the semifinal stage (swept by Melbourne) could be returned.

‘‘I love this club and hope to be part of it for a long time yet,’’ said Abercrombie. ‘‘This group did some really good things. Obviously we had some challenges and bit of a rollercoaster ride towards the end, but we showed some good signs.’’

The Breakers have only Tall Blacks centre Alex Pledger on contract for the 2018-19 ANBL season, though the league’s most improved player, point guard Shea Ili, also has a player option.

The new ownership group has said it does not envisage making dramatic personnel changes.

As players, we don’t know what Steve is thinking. Tom Abercrombie, above