Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) have named an intriguing blend of youth and experience in its squad heading to the Middle East next month, where they will take on Lebanon and Jordan in a pair of FIBA World Cup Qualifier (WCQ) games.
The 12-man squad includes: Taylor Britt, Walter Brown, Taki Fahrensohn, Dan Fotu, Hyrum Harris, Jordan Hunt, Alex McNaught, Jordan Ngatai, Anzac Rissetto, Richie Rodger, Ethan Rusbatch and Tohi Smith-Milner.
30-year-old Rusbatch joins this tour as its most experienced WCQ player, being the only athlete to suit up for the Tall Blacks across all six WCQ games this year and leading the squad in minutes played (153), three pointers made (15) and overall points with 71. Rusbatch says he is keen to help usher a new generation into the Tall Blacks squad.
“It’s been a fun ride and there’s been a lot of changes within the [Tall Blacks] group this year, I feel like there’s this big wave of younger, talented guys coming in – to be part of that and to be one of the veteran leaders in this group is good for me,” says Rusbatch.
“Every time I play in one of these games it’s still a learning experience for me too, playing these different teams and players from around the world. To be a part of this group – that’s been learning on the fly at times – and incorporating in new players and a new system has been great; I embrace that role of helping the young guys learn the ropes.”
Part of the new wave of talent for the Tall Blacks are debutants Brown, McNaught and Rissetto; the young trio all currently signed to Australian NBL rosters following successful Sal’s NBL campaigns. Both McNaught and Rissetto regard this Tall Blacks call-up as one of the highlights of their young basketball careers.
“This is a dream come true for me, the privilege and pride that comes with representing your country is immeasurable – to do it on the national stage at the highest level is so exciting,” says McNaught.
“For me it’s a huge privilege and something I’ve been hoping to achieve for a long time now; I remember waking up early mornings and staying up late nights to watch the Tall Blacks regularly as a kid, so now representing our country is a huge honour for me,” says Rissetto.
Although already assured of a place in next year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Tall Blacks will still be playing to win in these games; putting their 6-0 unbeaten WCQ streak on the line against rivals Lebanon – who beat New Zealand 86-72 in the FIBA Asia Cup earlier this year – and a re-match with Jordan, who the Kiwis beat 100-72 at home in August.
The Kiwis have dominated the 16-team World Cup Asian Qualifiers Division over six games this year, ranking first overall in points (95 PPG), two-point field goal percentage (59.6%) and rebounds (48.6 RPG), while sitting third in three-point field goal percentage (33%) and fourth in assists (19.7 APG). Overall they carry a 11-2 record this year, counting their 5-2 record from July’s FIBA Asia Cup; their only two losses in 2022 coming against Lebanon and FIBA Asia Cup champions Australia.
Tall Blacks head coach Pero Cameron says that even though New Zealand has qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the remaining WCQ games are no less important for his squad.
“We need more games at this level, our players need more experience – we have to always keep improving, so these games are an opportunity for us to get better and be more prepared for the World Cup next year,” says Cameron.
“It’s also an opportunity for us to evaluate players like Alex, Anzac and Walter who we haven’t seen play at this level before. We have key players who can’t always be in our squads because of commitments or injury, so these young players need to use these games as a chance to shine and show us what they can do – because if these guys can really impress us, it’s always possible that we may need to call on these players heading into the World Cup.”
The Tall Blacks travel to the Middle East on 7-8 November, where they take on Lebanon on 10 Nov and Jordan on 13 Nov in a pair of FIBA World Cup Qualifier games. Both games will be shown live on Spark Sport.
Tall Blacks WCQ Squad Vs Lebanon and Jordan, Nov 2023
Taylor Britt, Canterbury Rams
Walter Brown, Tasmania Jackjumpers / Canterbury Rams
Taki Fahrensohn, Medipolis SC Jena / Auckland Tuatara
Dan Fotu, NZ Breakers / Auckland Tuatara
Hyrum Harris, Adelaide 36ers / Hawkes Bay Hawks
Jordan Hunt, Hawkes Bay Hawks
Alex McNaught, NZ Breakers / Nelson Giants
Jordan Ngatai, Wellington Saints
Anzac Rissetto, South East Melbourne Phoenix / Franklin Bulls
Richie Rodger, Taranaki Airs
Ethan Rusbatch, Hawkes Bay Hawks
Tohi Smith-Milner, South East Melbourne Phoenix
Head Coach – Pero Cameron
Assistant Coach – Michael Fitchett
Assistant Coach – Trent Adam
Team Manager – Gavin Briggs
