NEW Zealand is going all out in its bid to take the group top seed in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.
The Tall Blacks have called up the best line-up possible for the February window with Austria pro campaigner Jordan Ngatai, and Australia NBL players Tohi Smith-Milner and Reuben Te Rangi included in the Final 12.
Also called up for the Tall Blacks' last two games against Gilas Pilipinas and Hong Kong were six players from the November window led by Corey Webster, Taylor Britt, Walter Brown, Max Darling, Sam Waardenburg, and Kaia Isaac who suffered a 93-89 loss away to the Philippines at the MOA Arena last Nov. 21.
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Tai Wynyard, Jackson Ball, and Tama Isaac complete the roster of the Tall Blacks that was described by their website as a “strong 12-man squad.”
“The ultimate goal is to get top seed out of our pool so that we position ourselves in the best pool when it comes to the Asia Cup in August. So we need to win both games. That’s the job we have in front of us,” said New Zealand coach Judd Flavell in a statement posted at the Basketball New Zealand website.
“I’m excited that a lot of guys that were unavailable in that November window, have made themselves available and are coming along for the ride this time round. Guys like Jordan Ngatai, Max Darling, Reuben Te Rangi and of course Tohi Smith-Milner.”
“Every single hour is precious when it comes to these windows. While we’re excited and focused on getting these two results, we’re looking to build for the future as well,” said Flavell.
New Zealand is determined to take the No. 1 seed in Group B as it closes the qualifiers against Hong Kong on February 20 and Gilas Pilipinas on February 23.
Ngatai, Smith-Milner, Te Rangi, Britt, and Darling saw action for the Tall Blacks in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Te Rangi was the top scorer for the Tall Blacks in their World Cup campaign, averaging 16.4 points in five games.
New Zealand is currently in second place in Group B with a 3-1 win-loss record, behind undefeated Philippines (4-0).
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