Kennedy Kereama spoke with media twenty four hours ahead of game one of the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship Olympic Qualifying Series series against Australia.The Tall Ferns head coach didn’t subscribe to the idea that the series would be daunting and perhaps even be a one sided series.
“Our focus has been on getting better every day and the players have certainly done that. The feeling in the camp is very good and the players are ready to give it their best for New Zealand.”
When asked what it would take to put a spanner in the works and upset Australia Kereama replied.
“We are going to have to make it a dog fight if we want to come away with the win. It’s going to take twelve players making a contribution. We are not a team that can rely on one player to take up the scoring load or doing an outstanding defensive role, everyone has that responsibility. I think the Australians are prepared for a physical game and that is something we know we can bring.”
Kereama has been delighted with the leadership shown by his senior players throughout the build up to this series.
“The leaders have been tremendous particularly in helping the younger players establish their roles within the team.
Younger players coming into the programme for the first time can often be a little inconsistent with the performances they produce but one thing that has been consistent has been their commitment and effort. The levels of energy have been great.”
Kereama played down the fact that star Australian centre Liz Cambage had been omitted from the Opals squad for this series.
“At the end of the day she wouldn’t have been our sole focus when preparing for this game. There would have been eleven other players if she had been in the team that we would have put as much time into scouting. You could name Lauren Jackson and seven other WNBA players that aren’t here also. It’s not a matter of one player as Australia have so much depth, they have twelve players who I expect will do a great job for their country and we will be preparing for tomorrow.
The winner of the two game series qualifies for the Rio Olympic Games next year. If the Series is level at one win each, the winner will be decided on points differential. If wins and points differential are equal, the second game in Wellington will go to overtime to decide the winner. Each game must have a winner.
Game one of the series is being played at the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne.
Both games will be screened live on Sky Sport 3, the Tall Ferns from 8:30pm and the Tall Blacks from 10:30pm.
Game two will be played at the ASB Arena, Tauranga on Monday, tip-off 7.30pm
