17-year-old power forward Oscar Goodman has enjoyed a whirlwind year, the New Plymouth Boys High and Taranaki proud product was named to the All-Star 5 at the FIBA U17 World Cup as New Zealand progressed to the semi-finals, he is studying and playing at the NBA Global Academy in Australia, and just last week committed to the Michigan Wolverines on a full scholarship in the American collegiate system.
And now, he is in line to become one of the youngest ever to represent his country following selection to the Tall Blacks roster for the November FIBA Asia Cup qualifying games in the Philippines and in Christchurch against Chinese Taipei.
Goodman was a bit shocked when he took the call from Head Coach Judd Flavell.
“When Judd rang and told me, I kind of didn’t believe it at first but was then ecstatic to be a part of the Tall Blacks at the age I am at – it really is a dream come true,” said Goodman from his base in Australia.
With a strong age group CV already behind him, Goodman is sending a strong message about continued national team representation – even while he fulfills those commitments at Michigan in the United States.
“Playing for New Zealand will always be on my radar, every year, every window I want a shot at playing for the Tall Blacks. Playing for your country is the biggest honour, I always take great pride in pulling on the singlet.”
Goodman has some lofty goals in the sport and wants to help the Tall Blacks return to the Olympic stage – and he does not want to wait too long.
“I have told a few of my mates we will be at the Olympics in LA in 28 – hopefully we can get there.”
The New Plymouth Boys High product was also quick to acknowledge the support of those close to him in what has already been the stuff of dreams.
“Family and the support they give to me, they are everything to me, I just was really happy to get the opportunity to make them proud again and can’t wait to pull on the singlet in these games.”
I do try and take ten minutes when I can, get away, just to clear my head and be by myself and soak it all in and try and keep on top of everything and keep going.
At 17 years 289 days v Philippines or 17 years 293 days v Chinese Taipei, Goodman would become the 8th or 9th youngest Tall Black if he takes to the court. Tai Wynard is the youngest ever at 16 years 160 days when he debuted in 2014.
Youngest Tall Blacks on International debut
| Tai WYNYARD | 16y 160d | 2014 |
| Izayah MAURIOHOOHO LE’AFA | 16y 262d | 2013 |
| Tai WEBSTER | 17y 28d | 2012 |
| Hayden JONES | 17y 47d | 2024 |
| Taine MURRAY | 17y 123d | 2019 |
| Jack SALT | 17y 167d | 2013 |
| Isaac FOTU | 17y 231d | 2011 |
| Oscar GOODMAN | 17y 289d | 2024 |
| Julius HALAIFONUA | 17y 292d | 2024 |
| Ben GOLD | 17y 328d | 2021 |
| Rob LOE | 17y 353d | 2009 |
Tall Blacks Roster to play FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
Taylor Britt, Guard, Canterbury Rams, 28 years old, 27 games for NZ
Corey Webster, Guard, Auckland Tuatara, 35 years old, 97 games
Kaia Isaac, Guard, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 21 years old, 0 games
Flyn Cameron, Guard, Melbourne United/Taranaki Airs, 24 years old, 26 games
Izayah Mauriohooho Le’afa, Guard, Sydney Kings/Wellington Saints, 27 years old, 25 games
Walter Brown, Guard/Forward, Tasmania JackJumpers/Canterbury Rams, 21 years old, 14 games
Hyrum Harris, Forward, Perth Wildcats/Wellington Saints, 28 years old, 17 games
Tom Vodanovich, Forward, Tasmania/Auckland Tuatara, 30 years old, 14 games
Oscar Goodman, Forward, NBA Global Academy/New Plymouth Boys, 17 years old, 0 games
Max Darling, Forward, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 24 years old, 4 games
Sam Waardenburg, Centre/Forward, Cairns Taipans, 25 years old, 1 game
Sam Mennenga, Forward/Centre, BNZ Breakers, 22 years old, 8 games
Tyrell Harrison, Centre, Brisbane Bullets, 25 years old, 10 games
Coaching Staff
Judd Flavell Head Coach
Michael Fitchett Asst Coach
Aaron Young Asst Coach
Logan Poloai Doctor
Steve McAdam Physiotherapist
Paul Minehan Massage Therapist/Logistics
Dave Wildash Manager
Tall Blacks Schedule – Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025
22 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (away): WON 89-69
25 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Hong Kong (Auckland): WON 88-49
21 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Philippines (away)
25 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (Christchurch): 7pm, Wolfbrook Arena
20 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Hong Kong (away)
23 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Philippines (New Zealand)
5-17 Aug 2025 – FIBA Asia Cup 2025 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
Get tickets now for Tall Blacks vs Chinese Taipei; Monday 25 November in Christchurch: Tall Black TICKETS
