Corey Webster has reached a remarkable milestone, playing his 100th game for the Tall Blacks against the Philippines. This year marks his 13th year with the team, having first donned the black jersey in 2008.
Corey joins an elite group of players, with only six others having played more than 13 years for the Tall Blacks. Pero Cameron and Mika Vukona lead the way with 17 years each.
Click here to hear from Corey about what hitting 100 games means to him.
A Journey of Dedication and Excellence
Corey’s journey with the Tall Blacks began on June 26, 2008, at the North Shore Events Centre, where he played his first international game against Australia. A fitting place for his debut, given it was where he’d played during his childhood and into Secondary School at Westlake Boys’ High.
Since then, he has been a pivotal player for the team, showcasing his talent and dedication on numerous international stages.
These include representing New Zealand at two World Cups in 2014 and 2019, both times leading the team in scoring.
Webster is the second highest point scorer in Tall Black history, behind FIBA Hall of Famer and legend Kirk Penney. Ironically, Webster also sits behind Penney in all-time three pointers made in the black singlet.
Major Tournaments and Achievements
Throughout his career, Corey has represented New Zealand in:
- Two World Cups: 2014 and 2019
- Three Oceania Championships: 2009, 2013, and 2015
- Olympic Qualifier Internationals: 2008, 2016, and 2024
Corey’s 50th overall game was a memorable one, played against Spain in the 2014 World Cup on August 30, 2014. His 50th international game came a year later, on July 25, 2015, against Great Britain in England, where he scored an impressive 32 points, his second highest in an international match.
Record-Breaking Performances
Corey has had several standout performances, but his most points in an international game came on August 21, 2019, when he scored 33 points against Canada. This game highlighted his scoring prowess and ability to perform under pressure.
A Legacy in the Making
As Corey celebrates his 100th game for the Tall Blacks, we look back on a career filled with dedication, hard work, and exceptional talent. His contributions to the team have been invaluable, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of basketball players in New Zealand.
Congratulations to Corey from all of us here at Basketball New Zealand.
