As the New Zealand Under 17 Women’s team prepares for its first challenge of the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 tonight – taking on Germany – they have received some welcome support from a European basketball legend during their stay in Hungary.
The FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 features the world’s top 16 women’s U17 national teams, with games played across nine days from July 9-17 in Debrecen, Hungary. As event hosts Hungary have gained automatic entry, with the remaining 15 teams qualified through regional U16 championships; New Zealand making it through after finishing fourth in the FIBA Asian Championship in Jordan last month.
During the teams pre-World Cup camp in Hungary, Dr. László Németh – a well-known Hungarian coach who has helmed the national teams for Iceland, England, and Kuwait – has been supporting the team and lending his 35+ years of coaching experience to the Kiwi players and staff.
BBNZ National Pathways Manager, Mel Downer is with the team in Hungary, and says the team is indebted to Dr Nemeth for his unending generosity during this time.
“Quite simply, we could not have done this without him and we are thankful that someone of his calibre answered our call for assistance, organising accommodation, meals, ground transport and a training facility for the team to prepare for its World Cup campaign,” says Downer.
“Dr Nemeth has extended his vast knowledge and experience to the coaching staff and players throughout the camp, providing an invaluable learning experience on international basketball. We can’t thank Dr Nemeth and his wife Sussan enough for hosting our stay.”
U17 Women’s national team head coach, Lori McDaniel, echoes the appreciation shown by the players and staff.
“Having Dr. Nemeth host us in Százhalombatta at our pre world’s camp, highlights to me the amazing power of sport,” says McDaniel.
“This coaching legend has been willing to give his time and knowledge into a team and country that he has no vested interest in; it’s an outstanding example to our players and coaches that you are never bigger than the sport itself.”
With the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup starting today, New Zealand has been placed into Group D alongside Germany, United States and Mali. The U17 Women’s team takes on its first opponent, Germany, at 3am NZT on Sunday 10 July.
Find out more about the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup at www.fiba.basketball/world/u17women/2022
Watch all the games live at https://nz.basketball/tv/
New Zealand Schedule:
Vs Germany – 3am NZT, Sun 10 July
Vs United States – 5.30am NZT, Mon 11 July
Vs Mali – 6am NZT, Wed 13 July
New Zealand U17 Women’s team:
Ivy Brown – North Canterbury
Layla J Cameron – New Zealand
Waimanu Clarken – Basketball Auckland
Maia Jones – Nelson Basketball
Cassidy Lacey-Rameka – Rotorua Basketball Association
Tannika Leger-Walker – Waikato Basketball
Carly Ohia – Rotorua Basketball Association
Amy-Lee Pateman – Harbour Basketball
Ashlyn Rean – North Canterbury
Ritorya Tamilo – Basketball Auckland
Lily Taulelei – Wellington Basketball Association
Karereatua Williams – Canterbury
Head Coach – Lori McDaniel
Assistant Coach – Pina Lissaman
Assistant Coach – Ryan Dubbledam
Team Manager – Jemma Lawton
Physio – Kylie Cox
Team Doctor – Dr Kaylie Baker
