Tall Blacks name FIBA Asia Qualifiers squad

Thursday, February 22, 2024

The New Zealand Tall Blacks have named a 14-man roster for their upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

New Zealand has named an NBL-laden squad for its upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers against Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.

Eight of the 14 players named participated in the NBL24 regular season, while former NBL talents Taylor Britt, Jordan Ngatai, Dion Prewster and Ethan Rusbatch have also been included.

Brisbane Bullet Tyrell Harrison will be joined by 7’0” tall 17-year-old Julius Halaifonua, who has recently been reported to be on the radar of American collegiate powerhouse Gonzaga.

Former Breakers and United guard Dion Prewster has also made his return to the roster as he looks to push his chances of an Olympic berth later in the year.

“This group is a good mix of youth and experience; availability is always a factor with this roster at this time of year so I’m happy we can build an exciting and competitive squad in this window – they’ll be hungry for the challenge of playing against Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong,” head coach Pero Cameron said.

“When Dion first put his hand up, he made it clear he wants to be available for Olympics as well as Asia Cup qualification; I look forward to having him on board and he’s excited to be part of the Tall Blacks again. He’ll join Izayah, Ethan, Jordan, Tom and other seasoned Tall Blacks as players we know can perform on the international stage.”

“With Julius, he’s big, he’s got great size, great touch and there’s a massive upside for him and our squad when he’s in it. He just needs experience and to play at the highest level, so this is a huge opportunity for him. Good things will come to him if he trains and plays hard.”

Tall Blacks Squad:
Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams)
Walter Brown (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Tobias Cameron (Taranaki Airs)
Max Darling (New Zealand Breakers)
Dan Fotu (New Zealand Breakers)
Julius Halaifonua (NBA Global Academy)
Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets)
Izayah Le’Afa (New Zealand Breakers)
Alex McNaught (New Zealand Breakers)
Jordan Ngatai (Tampereen Pyrinto)
Dion Prewster
Ethan Rusbatch (Franklin Bulls)
Sam Timmins (Sydney Kings)
Tom Vodanovich (New Zealand Breakers)