Kaia Isaac is one of the potential debutants that has Head Coach Judd Flavell buzzing, named in a Tall Blacks roster for the first time for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in the Philippines and at home in Christchurch against Chinese Taipei later this month.
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.
Flavell has worked alongside Isaac over the past three years and has seen the hard work pay off.
“Kaia is such a humble and hard-working young man, the mahi he has put into his game these past three years is now starting to pay off, I couldn’t be happier for him, and he has earned this opportunity and will I am sure grow even more as a result of the experience.”
Issac spoke of that special connection with Flavell, making the phone call all the sweeter when it came.
“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,” said a proud Isaac.
“Judd has just simplified my game and been there through the ups and downs of the past three years, progressing my game on and off the court, he has been there for me throughout.”
Kaia comes from great basketball stock, his younger brothers are also emerging on the national schools and age group scene, and he will follow older cousin Joe Cook Green into the Tall Blacks environment.
“As a kid growing up, I always dreamed of representing New Zealand one day, I thought I was trending on the right path, maybe not for this window, maybe two years down the track, but this is great.
“Playing for New Zealand is the only option ever on my mind, my cousin (Joe Cook-Green) playing for New Zealand was an inspiration, and my younger brothers share that dream too, this was the only option for me and my family, no question.”
The 21-year-old guard still couldn’t quite believe the news and may not for some time.
“I am still working out day to day with the BNZ Breakers, but when this international window finally hits, I will still be shocked as ever, I am still pinching myself, it is a dream come true.
“I am very proud. Words can’t describe how I feel to be honest; I am over the moon representing my country and playing alongside the boys in this upcoming window and hopefully many more to come.
“Putting on the Tall Blacks jersey is a massive honour. 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.”
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 years old, 97 games
Kaia Isaac, Guard, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 21 years old, 0 games
Flyn Cameron, Guard, Melbourne United/Taranaki Airs, 24 years old, 26 games
Izayah Mauriohooho Le’afa, Guard, Sydney Kings/Wellington Saints, 27 years old, 25 games
Walter Brown, Guard/Forward, Tasmania JackJumpers/Canterbury Rams, 21 years old, 14 games
Hyrum Harris, Forward, Perth Wildcats/Wellington Saints, 28 years old, 17 games
Tom Vodanovich, Forward, South East Melbourne Phoenix/Auckland Tuatara, 30 years old, 14 games
Oscar Goodman, Forward, NBA Global Academy/New Plymouth Boys, 17 years old, 0 games
Max Darling, Forward, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 24 years old, 4 games
Sam Waardenburg, Centre/Forward, Cairns Taipans, 25 years old, 1 game
Sam Mennenga, Forward/Centre, BNZ Breakers, 22 years old, 8 games
Tyrell Harrison, Centre, Brisbane Bullets, 25 years old, 10 games
Coaching Staff
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
