In his first official task as Head Coach, Judd Flavell has named his first Tall Blacks roster for two upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in the Philippines on November 21, and at home in Christchurch against Chinese Taipei on Monday November 25.
The 13-strong roster sees veteran guard Corey Webster edge closer to the magical 100 games in the black singlet (currently at 97), and joins Izayah Le’afa (Sydney Kings), Tom Vodanovich (Southeast Melbourne Phoenix), Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets), Sam Mennenga (BNZ Breakers), and Flynn Cameron (Melbourne United) in backing up from the 2024 FIBA Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Greece.
The presence of Cameron, Le’afa, Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams), Hyrum Harris (Perth Wildcats), and Walter Brown (Tasmania Jackjumpers) at the 2023 FIBA World Cup also ensures plenty of tournament experience in Flavell’s first roster.
If the guard line has the experience, the front court is an exciting collection of young talent, with Mennenga (22 years old), Sam Waardenburg (25), and Harrison (25) having the potential to feature in the black singlet together for the next 8 to 10 years, while BNZ Breaker Max Darling (24) is yet another young star emerging into his prime. All are starters with their Australian NBL teams.
As is often the case in Tall Black rosters, there is room for exciting young talent to earn their stripes, with a first call up for BNZ Breakers development player Kaia Isaac (21 years old), and age group star Oscar Goodman (17), the Taranaki youngster is rewarded for his fine showing at the recent FIBA U17 World Cup, while Walter Brown has already played 14 games for New Zealand at just 21 years of age.
Flavell Renews Coaching Connections
“Selecting this first group for the upcoming Asia Cup qualifiers is another exciting step for me on a personal level, and one I don’t take for granted as someone who has been in their shoes waiting for that phone call,” said Flavell, who played 38 times for New Zealand.
“Passing on news of their selection has just been such a humbling experience, for me to hear the pride they take in national selection, hearing what the singlet means to them and their families has been hugely rewarding and a reminder of what makes this team so special.
Flavell has worked with many of the players during his career, at the Breakers, with New Zealand national teams, and more recently with the Canterbury Rams in the Sal’s NBL.
“I love that there are so many full circle moments, opportunities for me to work again with so many in this group – I have coached most of them in different environments and at different stages of their careers, to call them together as Tall Blacks is a really proud moment now for me as Head Coach.”
Cohesion a Superpower
It is a roster that highlights the depth at Flavell’s disposal when selecting the men’s national team, with just five players returning from the 2023 FIBA World Cup it is regardless a team strong on both Aussie NBL and international experience.
While Flavell appreciates there will always be players unavailable, he is looking to select his best players at every opportunity possible as he builds cohesion on and off the floor in the short windows available to the team.
“Our opportunities together in the black singlet are becoming more frequent in Asia with the many FIBA windows but shorter in time with the days of 4-to-6-week tours now a thing of the past. That puts a premium on cohesion, that must become a superpower of New Zealand basketball, the ability to bring our best available players together as often as possible if we are to achieve our goals.
“Yes, we are missing some experienced and skilled players, that is always the juggling act. We are constantly working with the players and their clubs to achieve the right balance.
“Today is about this group of players though, and the opportunity presented to them to stake their claim in the black singlet, it is a group I am excited to go to work with.”
Chance For Young Stars to Integrate into Tall Blacks Culture
Kaia Isaac is one of the potential debutants that has Flavell buzzing, named in a Tall Blacks roster for the first time. The 21-year-old is rewarded for his mahi as he has progressed from the bench to big moment player with the Canterbury Rams, this year being named Sal’s NBL Rapid League MVP and earning a development contract with the BNZ Breakers.
“I am very honoured to be selected for the Tall Blacks, but also to hear it from Judd – I have been working with him for the past three years, it was a surreal moment for me and my family to be selected by Judd. Putting on the Tall Blacks jersey is a massive honour,” said Isaac.
“To represent the history, those who have gone in the past and to think I am now part of that in the present – I am just so honoured to represent my country and the culture of the team and nation.”
17-year-old power forward Oscar Goodman has enjoyed a whirlwind year, the New Plymouth product named to the All-Star 5 at the FIBA U17 World Cup as New Zealand progressed to the semi-finals, playing at the NBA Global Academy in Australia, and just last week committed to the Michigan Wolverines on a full scholarship in the American collegiate system.
“When Judd rang and told me, I kind of didn’t believe it at first but was then ecstatic to be a part of the Tall Blacks at the age I am at – it really is a dream come true,” said Goodman from his base in Australia.
“Playing for New Zealand will always be on my radar, every year, every window I want a shot at playing for the Tall Blacks. Playing for your country is the biggest honour, I always take great pride in pulling on the singlet.”
At 17 years 289 days v Philippines or 17 years 293 days v Chinese Taipei, Goodman would become the 8th or 9th youngest Tall Black if he takes to the court. Tai Wynard is the youngest ever at 16 years 160 days when he debuted in 2014.
Flavell echoed the excitement of his newly selected players as he summed up the talent available for this window.
“This is an exciting group, a young group playing at a high level for their Australian clubs. Look at Tyrell, Sam Mennenga, Sam Waardenburg, Flynn, Izayah, Max, Hyrum – all in the early to mid-twenties and all playing vital roles at very good clubs in a very good league that is gaining worldwide attention.
“Add that experience of Corey, Tom and Taylor – and the chance to integrate the energy and excitement of the younger players in Walter, Kaia and Oscar and I think we have a fantastic blend in this group and for these two testing games.”
If New Zealand was to win both games the Tall Blacks would book their spot at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia next August, with two qualifiers still to play.
Tall Blacks Roster to play FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
Taylor Britt, Guard, Canterbury Rams, 28 years old, 27 games for New Zealand
Corey Webster, Guard, Auckland Tuatara, 35, 97 games
Kaia Isaac, Guard, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 21, 0 games
Flyn Cameron, Guard, Melbourne United/Taranaki Airs, 24, 26 games
Izayah Mauriohooho Le’afa, Guard, Sydney Kings/Wellington Saints, 27, 25 games
Walter Brown, Guard/Forward, Tasmania Jackjumpers/Canterbury Rams, 21, 14 games
Hyrum Harris, Forward, Perth Wildcats/Wellington Saints, 28, 17 games
Tom Vodanovich, Forward, Southeast Melbourne Phoenix/Auckland Tuatara, 30, 14 games
Oscar Goodman, Forward, NBA Global Academy/New Plymouth Boys, 17, 0 games
Max Darling, Forward, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 24, 4 games
Sam Waardenburg, Centre/Forward, Cairns Taipans, 25, 1 game
Sam Mennenga, Forward/Centre, BNZ Breakers, 22, 8 games
Tyrell Harrison, Centre, Brisbane Bullets, 25, 10 games
Judd Flavell Head Coach
Michael Fitchett Asst Coach
Aaron Young Asst Coach
Logan Poloai Doctor
Steve McAdam Physiotherapist
Paul Minehan Massage Therapist/Logistics
Dave Wildash Manager
Tall Blacks Schedule – Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025
22 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (away): WON 89-69
25 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Hong Kong (Auckland): WON 88-49
21 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Philippines (away)
25 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (Christchurch): 7pm, Wolfbrook Arena
20 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Hong Kong (away)
23 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Philippines (New Zealand)
5-17 Aug 2025 – FIBA Asia Cup 2025 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
Get tickets now for Tall Blacks vs Chinese Taipei; Monday 25 November in Christchurch: Tall Black TICKETS
