Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) is excited to announce its U18 3×3 National Women’s Team for the FIBA U18 3×3 World Cup, to be held in Debrecen, Hungary from 26-31 August.
The squad includes Macy Costello, Olivia Lassey, Tannika Leger-Walker and Emma Rogers, and is coached by Anthony Corban. In addition, four non-travelling Reserves have been named as Theresa Bilandi, Ngahirata Haumaha, Caitlin Hull and Sophie Rogers. These players will remain on standby in case one of the main squad members is unable to travel.
The squad is spearheaded by the Junior Tall Ferns duo of Leger-Walker and Lassey; both players earning key minutes for the NZ U18 National Team at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in June. Joining them is Emma Rogers – who earned MVP at the Foot Locker U18 Nationals in July after scoring 47 points in the grand final – and Costello, who suited up for St.Peter’s at the 3×3 Secondary School Nationals back in April.
FIBA U18 3×3 World Cup
The FIBA U18 3×3 World Cup has been a pinnacle annual event on the FIBA 3×3 age group calendar, since its first tournament in 2011.
As one of 20 countries participating in the U18 3×3 World Cup this year, New Zealand has been placed into Women’s Pool D alongside Egypt, Latvia, Poland and the United States. The Kiwis will play four games over four days, with the top two teams from this pool progressing to the quarter-final round on 31 August.
This will be the sixth time that a New Zealand women’s team has competed in the 3×3 U18 World Cup; the Kiwis earned second place in the 2019 edition, losing in the finals to the United States – Charlisse Leger-Walker the team’s star as she finished second in overall points scored.
3×3 programmes manager Nikolay Mikhalchuk says he is excited to see this team in action.
“This is an explosive group of athletes who have the potential to take a lot of 3×3 nations by surprise. Their energy, skill, and teamwork will be something to watch,” says Mikhalchuk.
“I’m also thrilled for our U18 Head Coach, Anthony Corban, who is returning back to a place where he once led New Zealand to a Gold medal in 3×3 basketball. It’s a symbolic and emotional comeback, especially as this will be the final edition of the U18 World Cup. FIBA 3×3’s decision to discontinue this age group makes this tournament all the more significant, and we’re determined to make the most of this historic opportunity.”
Find out more about the FIBA U18 3×3 World Cup at: https://fiba3x3.com/2024/u18worldcup
NZ U18 3×3 Women’s Team – FIBA U18 3×3 Cup 2024
Macy Costello, Waikato Basketball
Olivia Lassey, Tauranga Basketball
Tannika Leger-Walker, Waikato Basketball
Emma Rogers, Tauranga Basketball
NZ U18 3×3 Women’s Team – Non-Travelling Reserves
Theresa Bilandi, Waikato Basketball
Ngahirata Haumaha, Rotorua Basketball
Caitlin Hull, Waikato Basketball
Sophie Rogers, Tauranga Basketball
NZL Schedule – FIBA U18 3×3 World Cup
27 Aug – 10.55pm NZT, Latvia vs New Zealand
28 Aug – 2.10am NZT, Poland vs New Zealand
29 Aug – 10.55pm NZT, New Zealand vs USA
30 Aug – 2.10am NZT, New Zealand vs Egypt
