New Zealand have earned a silver medal at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup tonight, following a tough 96-33 loss to Australia in the grand final game.
The Aussies controlled the game at both ends of the court, shooting 49.3% from the field – including 11-23 from downtown (47.8%) – and outrebounded New Zealand 57-33, while holding the Kiwis to just 19.3% shooting. They forced the Kiwis into an uncharacteristic 19 turnovers while limiting them to just 11 made field goals for the game.
The Junior Tall Blacks were led by Carter Hopoi’s 9 points & 7 rebounds, with Tama Isaac and Kahu Treacher adding 5 points apiece. Australia saw five players reach double figures in scoring, led by Jacob Furphy’s 21 points and 19 points from Tournament MVP Emmett Adair.
Following the game, Junior Tall Blacks head coach Matt Lacey paid tribute to the dominant performance from Australia.
“Obviously, Australia played really well and outplayed us today. Credit to them, to their coaching staff, and to their team – they had a great week,” says Lacey.
“We came up short at a number of areas. But looking at the week, and looking at it as a whole, I think we can be really proud of the way that we conducted ourselves and played.”
Hopoi says that the squad will take a number of positives away from this tournament, as New Zealand sets its sights on the FIBA U19 World Cup next year.
“Australia had a good game. Credit to them. Still, really proud of the boys for getting through this week, through all the challenges that we’ve had. We just have to take the learnings from this, get better for the World Cup.”
JTBs Led By Isaac / Hopoi Duo
Looking back on the tournament, it was a pair of impressive campaigns from New Zealand athletes that helped the Junior Tall Blacks qualify for the grand final.
Tama Isaac was a stand-out for New Zealand throughout, earning All-Tournament honours for his efforts. Over six games, Tama averaged 17.3ppg (third-best), 5.7apg (first in comp), 6rpg (fourth-best amongst all guards), 1.7 steals per game, and a 19 Efficiency rating – second-best in the comp behind Qatar’s Mohamed Ndao. Tama’s best game came in New Zealand’s opening win versus Jordan, when he racked up 23 points, 9 rebounds & 7 assists.
Equally as impressive was 6’9” forward Carter Hopoi, who was a surprise omission from the All-Tournament team – especially given he was one of only three players to average a double-double. Over six games, Carter averaged 17ppg (fifth-best), 10.3rpg (fourth-best), 1.5bpg (seventh-best) and a 17.5 Efficiency rating – fifth-best in the comp. Arguably his best game came against the Philippines, when he registered 23 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks in the win.
Congratulations to the Junior Tall Blacks on their silver medal finish, and we look forward to seeing them again at the FIBA U19 World Cup next year!
Stats:
New Zealand 33 – Hopoi 9 PTS & 7 REB | Isaac 5 PTS | Treacher 5 PTS | Blight 3 PTS | Christof 3 PTS | Hunt 3 PTS | Barton 3 PTS | Bond 2 PTS
Australia 96 – Furphy 21 PTS | Adair 19 PTS | Walker 12 PTS | Fennell 11 PTS | Brogan 10 PTS
Box Score: https://bbnz.link/U18MAC_NZLvAUS
Quarter Scores: 8-24, 16-52, 21-85, 33-96
FIBA U18 Men’s Asia Cup – New Zealand Schedule and Results
NZL v Jordan – Tue 3 Sep (WON 71-62)
NZL v Indonesia – Wed 4 Sep (WON 89-43)
NZL v Philippines – Thu 5 Sep (WON 75-58)
NZL v Iran, quarter-finals – Sat 7 Sep (WON 87-61)
NZL v China, semi-finals – Mon 9 Sep (WON 86-71)
NZL v Australia, finals – Tue 10 Sep (LOST 33-96)
NZ Men’s U18 Squad at U18 Men’s Asia Cup
Adam Barton, Nelson Basketball Association
Will Blight, Nelson Basketball Association
Jonty Bond, Nelson Basketball Association
Chris Christof, Otago Basketball
Ezrah Eagle, Basketball Hawkes Bay
Mahnaya Heke, Waikato Basketball
Julius Halaifonua, NBA Global Academy
Carter Hopoi, Tauranga Basketball Association
Ryan Hunt, Waitakere West Auckland Basketball
Tama Isaac, Canterbury Basketball
Dov Silberstein, Basketball Manawatu
Kahu Treacher, Eastern Arizona College (US)
