The Tall Ferns head to Bangalore, India for the FIBA Asia Cup next week with a familiar face joining the touring group.
Lisa Wallbutton, a long time New Zealand international player herself, will be offering guidance from the sideline in her new role as Tall Ferns manager.
Wallbutton retired from international duty in 2016 after a 12-year career with the Tall Ferns and is delighted to be back in national colours albeit off the court.
“When I finished playing I always had aspirations to come back and manage the Tall Ferns one day and be involved at the elite level. I love the team environment and love the Tall Ferns so that is what has drawn me back.
“I had got involved with the Australian U17 Women’s team whilst based in Perth but once I knew I was returning to New Zealand I contacted Basketball New Zealand to see if there were any opportunities,” said Wallbutton.
Wallbutton admitted rejoining the team, most of whom she has played with, will be a little bit strange.
“There are only a couple of the girls I haven’t played with and I also crossed over with Jody Cameron (Tall Ferns Assistant Coach) at the end of her career. But it will be different moving across from being a peer to organising things – hopefully the transition goes well,” mused Wallbutton.
BBNZ High Performance Manager Leonard Kingis thrilled to have Lisa on board as Tall Ferns manager.
“Lisa has a strong passion for basketball and an equally strong passion for the Tall Ferns. It’s always a healthy sign for a sport to have players progress through the player pathway, achieve the highest honour of representing their country at an Olympic Games and then complete the pathway by returning to the sport and giving back in an administration and management role. The team has a tremendous amount of respect for Lisa and we are confident that she will play a pivotal role in future Tall Ferns success,” said King.
Wallbutton began her senior playing career for Harbour Breeze before Australian WNBL stints with Christchurch Sirens, Adelaide Lightning, Bendigo Spirit and West Coast Waves.
The exercise physiologist made her Tall Ferns debut in 2005 at the William Jones Cup.
The following year she won a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games where the Tall Ferns finished runners-up to Australia but it was 2008 that provided the career highlight for the former North Harbour representative.
“My fondest memory of my time with the Tall Ferns will always be competing at the Beijing Olympics. For me it was a childhood dream come true and an opportunity to compete at the highest level against the very best players,” said Wallbutton.
Having lived in Perth for the last seven years Wallbutton has recently relocated to Port Chalmers, Dunedin where a number of her family members live.
“I’ve only been here a few days and will have to find a job when I return but right now I’m looking forward to India,” said Wallbutton.
Always the consummate professional as a player – expect nothing less of the former Olympian as a manager. Next stop Bengaluru!
