Five debutants named in Tall Blacks for Asia Cup

It says a lot about the ‘‘Baby’’ Tall Blacks team that will attend its first Asia Cup in Lebanon next month that Kiwi hoops youngsters Reuben Te Rangi, Finn Delany and Shea Ili will form the ‘‘experienced’’ leadership core.

Coach Paul Henare has named what is in effect a development team to attend the team’s first foray into the new expanded Fiba Asia zone, though it will still carry the Tall Blacks moniker for the event.

Henare controversially decided to give all his senior playing group and the vast majority of his USbased collegians this international season off, and has decided to build depth and experience by taking a young group to Lebanon for the August 8-20 tournament.

Henare has included five debutants among his squad of 12 chosen after three days of a six-day camp in Auckland. They tip off preparations with scrimmages against China in two closed door games in south Auckland, before departing for China tomorrow.

The five new Tall Blacks are recent New Zealand under-19 standout Isaac Letoa from Wellington, Southland Sharks Luke Aston and James Hunter, the Australiabased Dyson King-Hawea and Washington University big man Sam Timmins of Dunedin.

Henare is excited about introducing a new wave of young talent to the Tall Blacks system..

‘‘The great thing about young players is their eagerness to learn and the freshness with which they approach everything,’’ he said.

‘‘Many of them have had a taste of international basketball with the Select team, but they know that this is another level. I am fascinated to see how they react to the chance they have been given.’’

The team will be captained by Brisbane Bullets swingman Te Rangi, with Breakers squad members Ili and Delany to support him in a three-man leadership group.

‘‘I am extremely proud of Reuben and his development these past few years,’’ added Henare. ’’I have known him a long time and watched him progress as a player and as a man. He has been superb in camp and has shown natural leadership qualities that will be important to this group.

‘‘He was a unanimous choice amongst the management team for the captaincy.

‘‘But everyone will be expected to pull their weight. For such a new group, it is important that they all find ways to contribute.’’

Henare said the young group had a huge opportunity to show they have what it takes to play at the game’s highest level.

Of the 15 players at the camp, Junior Tall Blacks Angus McWilliam, Callum McRae and Quinn Clinton missed selection.