The New Zealand Under 23 men’s team have set themselves up for two pivotal games at the FIBA U23 World Cup in China.
The Kiwis accounted for Slovenia, 21-19, in a nail biter.
The team then defeated Turkey, 21-12.
They have a chance to progress into the quarter finals as one of two spots of their pool of five teams, with today’s results hinging on their fortunes.
First up at 6:30pm (NZT) is the young sharp-shooting Argentina squad, followed by the experienced defending world U23 champions Russia at 8.20pm NZ time.
Coach Piet Van Hasselt is all praise for his squad: Taylor Britt, Taane Samuel, Josh Aitcheson and Samuel Aruwa.
“All four of the Kiwis have made an impact here in China and are pumped for today’s challenges.
“They are proud to wear the Black and White singlets of Basketball New Zealand and thank everyone that has helped them on their basketball journeys so far.
“The team doesn’t have to look far for inspiration from national team results of the past including two World Cup titles in the 2011 and 2015 the U18 3×3 men’s tournaments under coach Anthony Corban,” says Hasselt.
Watch the games on YouTube stream from: http://www.fiba.basketball/3x3U23WC/2019/
