U17 Women’s National Team Arrives in Jordan For FIBA Asia Cup

The U17 Women’s National Team will be hoping to emulate their male counterparts and secure a World Cup place, when they begin their FIBA Asia Championship campaign in Amman, Jordan this week.

As with the Men’s Asia Champs, the tournament doubles as a World Cup qualifying event – with the top four teams in Jordan securing places at the U17 Women’s FIBA World Cup, to be played in Spain in July.

However, only five teams have been invited into the A Division Championship with India, Japan, Australia and Korea accompanying New Zealand at the top table; the other 8 teams, including Samoa, will play in the B Division.

New Zealand, ranked #21 in the world will play Korea (#19) on the opening day of the championship, Friday 24 June, with tip-off 8.15pm (NZT).

Uniquely, the New Zealand team contains daughters of three BBNZ Hall of Famers.

Layla Cameron is the daughter of Tall Blacks Coach Pero Cameron, Tannika Leger-Walker is the youngest daughter of Tall Ferns Assistant Coach Leanne Walker, while Maia Jones is the daughter of Tall Blacks great Phill Jones.

The three, along with the other nine players and staff, arrive in Jordan with high expectations and a focus on the task ahead. New Zealand Head Coach Lori McDaniel likes what she has seen from the group.

“They are a locked in bunch of young ladies. Their behaviour and approach to everything we have done is exactly what we have asked of them,” says McDaniel.

“They need minimal interventions off the court, which is outstanding in a young group.

“Their overall skill set is something we are very happy with – which is a great reflection on the coaches around the country, who are putting time and effort into the shooting and ball handling abilities of these young women.”

On a personal note, McDaniel is happy to be back in the international arena after taking a break from the New Zealand national programme.

“It’s really exciting to be bringing back the love and passion for the game which we in New Zealand basketball have. Taking that passion, and being able to put it on the international stage so other people can see how basketball is progressing in our country is rewarding.

“Attending tournaments like the Asia Cup also enables us, as coaches, to see what other countries are doing in terms of their style of play. It’s a unique opportunity and you just have to embrace it every time.”

 

New Zealand Schedule

  • Fri 24 June v Korea, 8.15pm NZT
  • Sat 25 June v Australia, 6.00pm NZT
  • Mon 27 June v Japan, 6.00pm NZT
  • Tue 28 June v India, 8.15pm NZT
  • Wed 29 June – Semi-Finals (time TBC)
  • Thu 30 June – Final & 3rd/4th play-off games (time TBC)

 

The Asian Championship, postponed from 2021 due to Covid, doubles as a Qualifying Tournament for the U17 Women’s FIBA World Cup to be played in Hungary, July 9-17. The top four teams in Jordan will qualify for the Word Cup.

All games will be shown live via nz.basketball/tv

Links to the streaming, rosters, statistics and live stats can be found here: https://www.fiba.basketball/asia/u16women/2022

 

U17 Women’s National Team

Ivy Brown – North Canterbury

Layla J Cameron – New Zealand

Waimanu Clarken – Basketball Auckland

Maia Jones – Nelson Basketball

Cassidy Lacey-Rameka – Rotorua Basketball Association

Tannika Leger-Walker – Waikato Basketball

Carly Ohia – Rotorua Basketball Association

Amy-Lee Pateman – Harbour Basketball

Ashlyn Rean – North Canterbury

Ritorya Tamilo – Basketball Auckland

Lily Taulelei – Wellington Basketball Association

Karereatua Williams – Canterbury

 

Unable to travel due to injury

Elise Gilbert – Waikato Basketball

Lauren Whittaker – Canterbury

 

Head Coach – Lori McDaniel

Assistant Coach – Pina Lissaman

Assistant Coach – Ryan Dubbledam

Team Manager – Jemma Lawton

Physio – Kylie Cox

Team Doctor – Dr Kaylie Baker