The MBO Tall Blacks got their first workout ahead of the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Beirut (13th v Syria) and Rotorua (17th v Lebanon) with a 92-58 win over Qatar, with Finn Delany and Dion Prewster leading the team on offence on a steamy Doha evening.
Head Coach Paul Henare took the chance to spread the minutes across his entire roster, as the team puts the finishing touches on their preparation for the games against Syria and Lebanon, the first in the final stage of qualifying for the World Cup in China next year.
Delany led all scorers with 23 points (and 5 rebounds), while Prewster was another to provide plenty of spark from the bench with his 13 points, with point guard Shea Ili chipping in with 11 points.
While Qatar struggled to stay with the higher ranked New Zealanders, the hosts gave plenty for Henare to think about as he ponders bigger matches in the days ahead.
“I think after being together a couple of days and coming from the other side of the world I thought it was pretty good, we came out with good intent and defensively got after it. It wasn’t always perfect, we still have plenty to work on, but we moved the ball well, shared the ball and shot the ball well in patches and everyone contributed so like I say, happy in terms of where we are at but there is plenty to improve on.”
A game like tonight’s was always going to be less about the opposition and more about the Tall Blacks own systems, as they fine tune for the game in Beirut and then back home in Rotorua against one of the stronger teams in Asia in Lebanon.
“We are focusing on us and what we are trying to achieve from a systematic point of view. Obviously, they are going to do the same and we have to adjust at the defensive end and from that point of view there are things we can get better at. We were ill disciplined on fouls at times and gave up easy baskets by losing sight of our man and basic fundamental things. But that is good, at this stage of the campaign we want to work towards areas of improvement and we have time to do that.”
Henare was pleased with the output of Delany and Prewster, but found plenty to like about the energy of the entire group, as everyone found a way to get involved.
“They gave us good punch off the bench, we will need multiple guys to contribute. I thought Rueben Te Rangi started us off really well, he attacked the basket and made some really good plays. The starting group got us off on the right track and the guys off the bench came in and kept it ticking over and lifting the energy as well. That is who we are as a team, we need multiple guys to contribute and on Sunday another few guys will put their hands up, that is one of the strengths of this group.”
One of the highlights of the evening was the support of 30 to 40 local ex-pat Kiwis, who found their way to the stadium and took great delight in flying the flag and meeting the team for autographs and photos afterwards.
“That was amazing, we were told there might be some Kiwis but to see so many of them here supporting us and for them to spend some time on the floor with the guys afterwards getting photos and autographs, that was special.
“Whenever we can be away from home and have that familiar feel makes it that much more special, I hope they also enjoyed the game and the chance to mix and mingle afterwards as well.”
MBO Tall Blacks 92 (Delany 23, Prewster 13, Ili 11)
Qatar 58
