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New Zealand men's national basketball team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see New Zealand women's national basketball team.

New Zealand
FIBA ranking22 Steady (26 November 2024)[1]
Joined FIBA1951
FIBA zoneFIBA Oceania
National federationBasketball New Zealand
CoachPero Cameron
Nickname(s)Tall Blacks
Olympic Games
Appearances2
MedalsNone
FIBA World Cup
Appearances7
MedalsNone
FIBA Asia Cup
Appearances2
MedalsBronze Bronze: (2022)
FIBA Oceania Championship
Appearances22
MedalsGold Gold: (1999, 2001, 2009)
Silver Silver: (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015)
Home jersey
Team colours
Home
Away jersey
Team colours
Away
First international
 New Zealand 72–64 Singapore 
(Singapore; 1 September 1962)[citation needed]
Biggest win
 New Zealand 136–41 New Caledonia 
(Wellington, New Zealand; 1 September 1997)[citation needed]
Biggest defeat
 New Zealand 59–115 Australia 
(Christchurch, New Zealand; 4 September 1987)[citation needed]

The New Zealand men's national basketball team (Template:Lang-mi) represents New Zealand in international basketball competitions. The team is governed by Basketball New Zealand. The team's official nickname is the Tall Blacks (Template:Lang-mi).[2]

Over their history, New Zealand have won three FIBA Oceania Championships, made seven appearances at the FIBA World Cup and two at the Olympic Games. Since 2017, the team has made two appearances at the FIBA Asia Cup, with their best effort resulting in a bronze medal finish in 2022.

Haka

Prior to games, the Tall Blacks perform a haka. The team's current haka, Tu Kaha O Pango Te Kahikatea, was composed and created in 2006[3] by Don Hutana and former Tall Black Paora Winitana.[4][5] It tells the story of how the Tall Blacks overcome great odds and challenges through their adventures. It also draws from the story of Tāne and how he overcame adversity to gain the three baskets of knowledge.[5][6]

History

First international test match and tour

The team's first test was played against Singapore as part of their Asian 1962 tour. The tour included several practice games in Australia and other games against select teams from Malaysia and Thailand.[citation needed]

1970s

In 1970, New Zealand hosted the world number 6 Czechoslovakia for a test series. The Tall Blacks lost both games, 115–60 and 118–62.[7]

In 1971, New Zealand hosted the first FIBA Oceania Championship. The Oceania qualification zone was created by FIBA so Australia and New Zealand could compete every two years to decide which country would represent the zone at the Olympic Games or the world championships.[8] The Tall Blacks lost the inaugural series 0–3.[9]

In 1974, New Zealand played against Australia, the Philippines and Tahiti. They split the series 2–2, with both wins coming against Tahiti.[citation needed]

In the 1975 FIBA Oceania Championship, the Tall Blacks lost 0–3 to Australia.[10]

In the 1978 FIBA Oceania Championship, the Tall Blacks recorded their first win against Australia, 67–65.[8] They lost the series 1–2.[11] That same year, the Tall Blacks won the silver medal at the Commonwealth championships in Britain.[8]

In the 1979 FIBA Oceania Championship, the Tall Blacks again lost 0–3 to Australia.[12]

1980s

The Tall Blacks participated in the William Jones Cup in 1980, 1981 and 1982.[citation needed]

In 1983, they participated in the Kirin Invitational and Taiwan Tournament.[citation needed] That same year, New Zealand hosted the Commonwealth Basketball Championships (men's and women's). Both teams finished without medals, and the New Zealand Basketball Federation (NZBF), hoping to make a profit, suffered a $50,000 loss.[8]

The Tall Blacks gained a wild card entry to the 1986 FIBA World Championship in Spain. They managed one win against Malaysia to finish 21st in the 24-team tournament.[8][13] Stan Hill announced his retirement following the tournament after 131 games.

In 1987, Russia played a two-match series against the Tall Blacks in New Zealand. The Tall Blacks lost both games.[citation needed] That same year, New Zealand finished second in the Oceania series, beating French Polynesia and losing to Australia.[citation needed]

1990s

Throughout the 1990s, the Tall Blacks were invited to a number of tournaments:[citation needed]

  • 1994 Tour of Japan won the series 4–2
  • 1997 Harlem Basketball Tournament, Netherlands
  • 1997 Portugal and Madrid Xmas Tournaments, Europe
  • 1998 Anhui Tournament, China
  • 1998 Nanjing Tournament, China
  • 1998 Ningbo Tournament, China
  • 1998 Heife Tournament, China

New Zealand also hosted Japan (won series 3–0, 1991), Croatia (lost series 0–1, 1997) and Canada (tied series 1–1, 1998).[14]

In 1997, New Caledonia joined the Tall Blacks and Australia for the Oceania Championship that was held in New Zealand. It was in this tournament that the Tall Blacks registered their largest ever win margin and score, defeating New Caledonia 136–41. However, they lost to Australia in pool play and the final to once again miss out on the 1998 World Championships.[citation needed]

The Tall Blacks returned to Taiwan for the 1999 William Jones Cup, finishing third after going 5–3.[citation needed] The 1999 FIBA Oceania Championship was a one-off game between the Tall Blacks and Guam, with New Zealand winning 125–43[15] and qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time.[16] Future NBA players Kirk Penney[17] and Sean Marks debuted for the Tall Blacks in 1999.

2000s

In 2000, the Tall Blacks participated in the Slam Down Under tournament in Sydney in June, the William Jones Cup in Taiwan in July, and the Summer Olympics in September.[18] In their first ever Olympic appearance, the Tall Blacks were placed in Group A alongside the United States, Italy, China, Latvia and France. They finished 11th with a 1–6 record, picking up their first Olympic win against Angola (70–60). Sean Marks finished the tournament second in rebounds (7.3 per game) and Pero Cameron finished the tournament second in steals (1.7 per game).[citation needed]

In 2001, the Tall Blacks participated in the Goodwill Games in Brisbane.[19] Kirk Penney averaged a team-leading 14.8 points as New Zealand finished sixth.[20] In the FIBA Oceania Championship,[21] the Tall Blacks won the first fixture of the three-game series against Australia 85–78 but lost the second game 81–79 in overtime. In the third game, New Zealand made history with an 89–78 win, beating Australia 2–1 to qualify for the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis.[22]

The Tall Blacks had a prolonged Europe tour prior to the 2002 FIBA World Championship that included a victory over world champs Yugoslavia. They entered the World Championship with a level of confidence under coach Tab Baldwin.[23] The team had Sean Marks and Pero Cameron in career-best form alongside two world-class sharpshooters in Phill Jones and Kirk Penney. There was also Mark Dickel, Paul Henare, Ed Book and Dillon Boucher.[23] The Tall Blacks pushed into the second round after beating China, Venezuela and Russia. Losses came at the hands of the United States, Argentina and Germany in Group D. In the quarter-finals, they beat Puerto Rico 65–63 to earn a spot in the semi-final against Yugoslavia.[24] They went on to lose 89–78 to Yugoslavia and then lost 117–94 to Germany in the bronze medal match.[25] Fourth place is still the team's best finish at a World Cup / World Championship as of 2022.[23] Cameron was named to the All-Tournament team and Jones finished the tournament as its ninth-leading scorer with 18.2 points per game.[26]

In 2003, the Tall Blacks participated in the Efes Pilsen World Cup in Turkey[27][28] and lost 0–3 to Australia in the FIBA Oceania Championship. The Oceania series determined seedings for the 2004 Athens Olympics.[29]

In the lead up to the Olympics, the Tall Blacks had a series against Australia and then toured the U.S. and Europe.[30] They finished the Athens Olympics with a 1–5 record in group A against Italy, China, Serbia and Montenegro, Argentina and Spain. In the play-off for 9th position they lost to Australia 98–80, finishing 10th.[31] Phill Jones' 21 points per game left him as the Games' second-leading scorer behind Pau Gasol of Spain.[32]

2005 China, Australia and the Oceania Series

They headed to China on tour for a couple of mulit nation tournaments - Jingjang and Shuang Feng Cup. Going 0-3 at the Jingjang, but 3-0 at the Shuang Feng and taking the Cup.[33]

Another 4 nations event (The Gaze Cup) was held in Perth & Sydney, Australia. The Tall Blacks played against China, Australia and a Lithuania development squad going 3-1.[34]

  • Pero Cameron was named in the All-Tournament Team.

The 2005 Oceania Series played in New Zealand (Auckland, Manukau, Dunedin). The Tall Blacks went 0-3 against Australia, with Australia holding the Al Ramsey Shield and gaining the higher seeding for the 2006 World Championship draw.

2006 A 27 test year, Commonweath Games and the World Championship

A Home series x2 - The Tall Blacks started had a home series against India and Qatar. Beating India 3-0 and later in the year a 2-0 series win over Qatar.

The Commonweath Games were up next, based in Melbourne - joining hosts Australia alongside England, South Africa, Scotland, Barbados, Nigeria and India. The Tall Black's came out on top in Pool B with a 3–0 record. A semi-final win against Nigeria 90-66 setting up a gold medal match battle with Australia. Unfortunately they lost 81–76 coming away with a Silver Medal.[35][36]

The Tall Blacks then had a 4 match split series with Australia, two in NZ (Napier) and two in Australia. The series ended tied, but the Tall Blacks picked up the Al Ramsey Shield on points countback. The first match also went into overtime.[37]

South America - Playing a series of matches in Argentina and Brazil, The Tall Blacks went 0-4 in Brazil and 2-1 in Argentina beating Venezuela.

World Championships - Held in Japan and placed in Group B alongside Japan, Spain, Panama, Angola, and Germany. The Tall Blacks qualified for this tournament due to their 4th placed ranking at the 2002 edition. After an 0–3 start, the Tall Blacks closed out the group stage with two straight wins, over Japan and Panama. However, they would fall in the round of 16 to the defending Olympic gold medallists Argentina, 79–62 ending their tournament. From this somewhat poor showing coach Tab Baldwin resigned as the head coach of the Tall Blacks, replaced by then assistant coach Nenad Vučinić.[38]

2007, A vist from Venezuela, The Stankovic Cup, Europe Tour and Oceania seeding

New Zealand hosted Venezuela (Napier and Wellington) and won the series 2-1.

Stankovic Cup - Shared between Guangzhou and Macao. The Tall Blacks finished with a 2–3 record in 5th place. Angola 54–67 (L), NBA development League 84–87 (L), Slovenia 74–72 (W), China 63–93 (L), Venezuela 76–73 (W).[39]

Europe - A tournament in Lativa saw a 0-3 result against Belarus, Lativa and Lithuania. A Tournament in Croatia going 1-2 with losses to Great Britain and Finland, with a win against hosts Croatia.

From Oceania to the World Cup - Pitted against old foe Australia and spread across the Tasman, The Tall Blacks lost the series 2-1. The win coming in Brisbane and only their second against Australia in Australia. New Zealand would now have to suit up for an Olympic Quaifying Tournament held in 2008.

The Road to the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Al Ramsay Shield - The Tall Blacks went 0-2 in the series against Australia and not grabbing the Shield this time around.[40]

Jack Donoghue Invitational and 2008 Alpos Cup - The Tall Blacks were invited to the Jack Donoghue tournament, held in Canada. They played against Lebanon and Canada coming away with a 2–1 record. The Alpos Cup was held in Slovenia, with the Tall Blacks playing against Iran, Puerto Rico, and Slovenia. They finished with 1–2 record.

OQT 2008 - The Tall Blacks entered the 12 team wildcard tournament held in Athens. Placed in Group B with Germany and Cape Verde, the Tall Blacks won their opener against Cape Verde 77–50,[41] but lost their second match 89–71 to Germany. In the quarterfinals, they had a showdown with the host, Greece, losing 75–48, ending the tournament and finishing 7th overall.

2009 Europe and a FIBA Oceania Championship Win

The Tall Blacks had already qualified for the 2010 World Championships, but needed a soild build up. Coach Vuninic took them on a 8 game tour to Europe. They went 2-6 on their tour playing against Estonia, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Portugal and Finland. Notable on this tour was the inclusion of 18 year old future star Thomas Abercrombie.[42]

The Tall Black's once again defeated Australia (countback total) winning the Al Ramsey Shield and qualifying with a higher seeding for the FIBA 2010 World Championship in Türkiye. They also recorded their highest winning margin against Australia (22) in the second match.[43]

Road to the 2010 FIBA World Championship finals

The Tall Blacks had a European based build up for the eventual World Championships in Türkiye later that year.

  • Adidas Cup - 1-2 record against Serbia (L), Turkey (L), Iran (W).
  • Adecco Cup - 1-2 record against Slovenja (W), Serbia (L), Russia (L)

World Championship Finals - Placed in group C the Tall Blacks made it through to the round of 16 with 3–2 record. Beating Lebanon, Canada and France, but losing to Lietuva and Spain. In the round of 16, The TBs drew Russia, losing this match 78–56 ending their tournament run.

  • A final ranking of 8th overall was achieved with a 3–3 record.
  • Kirk Penney finished the tournament 2nd overall with 24.7ppg.
  • Both Pero Cameron and Phill Jones called time on their long national careers after this tournament.
  • New Zealand's FIBA ranking fell to 18th.

2011 Stanković Cup, Eastern Europe and 2012 Olympic Oceania berth

Competing at the 2011 Boris Stanković Cup in China. Pooled with China, Russia and Angola. After dropping the first to Russia 71–74, the Tall Blacks quickly put that behind them, smashing China 89–69 and toppling Angola 73–70.

The final was set against Russia, led by 30 points performance from Kirk Penney, They won 80–77. Hoisting the 2011 Stankovic Cup and grabbing a nice pay day for the team.[44]

  • Kirk Penney & Tom Abercrombie were named in the All-tournament team
  • Kirk Penney was awarded the Tournament MVP
  • Pero Cameron joined the squad as assistant coach

Macedonia Trophy - The team then headed to the event in Skopje, Macedonia. Going 0-2 against Montenergo and Macedonia.

Adidas Cup - Returning for the second year, going 1-1 vs. Turkey (L) and Ukraine (W).

Oceania Olympic Berth - Set in Australia, the Tall Blacks would finish this series 0-3 against Australia also losing the Al Ramsay Shield. They would now have to participate in a 2012 Olympic Quailfying Tournament for a spot leading to the London Games.

2012 Cancellations, a last minute invite and Olympic Qualifying Tournament

The build up to the OQT was hampered by a cancelled tournament in China and two key players out with injury (Abercrombie and Penney).

Brazil Invite - The Tall Blacks had a 3 game build up held in San Carlos against Brazil, Greece and Nigeria. They went 0-3 here.[45]

  • Tai Webster made a notable debut on this tour.

Venuzueal OQT - Placed in Group D, pool play saw a loss to Macedonia 84–62 and a win over Angola 68–64. However, on points differential, the Tall Blacks finished 3rd in the pool and failed to make the next round. They finished the tournament in 10th spot.

2013 China Tour & Oceania seeding

For the 2013 Oceania tournament finals the Tall Blacks had a 7 match build up tour in China which included the Shikoku Classic. A 1-1 series draw with China and then taking out the Classic with 5-1 record. The classic was a mixture of international teams and Chinese basketball clubs.

In the Oceania Series, Australia swept the Tall Blacks 0-2, retaining the Al Ramsay Sheild.

2014 The road to the FIBA World Cup headed through a home series, Asia and Europe

A homes series 2-1 win over the South Korea, followed by a 1-1 return series in Korea. Off to China for a country and club tournament. Producing a 6-0 record, notably beating Cameroon twice.

A final warm up series was held in Lithuania, unfortunalty going 0-3 against Slovenja, Lithuania and Greece.

World Cup finals - Held in Spain and placed in Group C, producing a 2–3 statline in pool play. Recording wins over Ukraine and Finland, after narrowly losing to Türkiye in their opening match. The Tall Blacks other two losses came against the Dominican Republic and the US. They made it through to the final 16 for a fourth consecutive time. Playing against Lietuva, but lost the match 76–71. New Zealand finished in 15th place overall.[46]

  • After this tournament Kirk Penney, Casey Frank and coach Vucinic called time on their international Careers. Vucinic made quite the contribution going from player, to assistant coach onto Head Coach.

2015 Europe, The Stanković Cup and the final Oceania Tournament

2015 saw the introduction of former player and captain Paul Henare as head coach. The Tall Blacks headed to Europe for a 3 game trip. Going 1-2 vs Great Britain '(W), Croatia (L) and Slovenja (L).[47]

Up next was the Stankovic Cup, a final hitout before the Oceania series against Australia. The Tall Blacks cruised through pool against U23 Chinese 89–82 (W), Mexico 78–67 (W) and Venezuela 72–65 (W). Making the final against Mexico, with the Tall Blacks winning 70–66.[48][49]

  • Corey Webster was named the MVP
  • Webster and Isaac Fotu made the All-tournament team

Oceania says goodbye - In 2015 the Tall Blacks lost what was the final FIBA Oceania Senior men's series 0–2 to Australia. The games were again spread across the Tasman. Oceania would now look to merge with their Asian Counterpart. In 2017 they would compete for what would be called the FIBA Asia Cup.

  • Lindsay Tait called time on his international career after this series.

2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament via China and Europe

After losing to Australia in the final FIBA Oceania series in 2015, the Tall Blacks found themselves heading to the Philippines for FIBA Qualifying tournament staged at the Mall of Asia Arena.

They scheduled preperations matches in China for the Atlas Challenge and then a short tour of Europe. In the Atlas Challenge the Tall Blacks went 4-1, beating China in the playoff for Bronze to finish 3rd.

In Europe they split time between Latvia and Lithuaina. Going 0-3 against, Iran, Lativa and Lithuania.

OQT - The Tall Blacks were placed in group B alongside France and hosts, the Philippines. The Tall Blacks won their opening battle against hosts 89–80, however lost to France in their second match in a low-scoring affair 59–66. In the semi-final crossover with pool A winners Canada, the Tall Blacks lost 72–78 ending their tournament.[50]

2017 4 Nations tournament, FIBA Asia Cup Tournament & World Cup Qualifers

The Tall Blacks had a preperation tour through China, again playing against a mixture of Chinese select teams and other nations. They came away with a 1-5 record.

The FIBA Asia Cup finals tournament was held in Lebanon, Beruit. It was the first time Oceania teams had been included (New Zealand and Australia). Landing in Group C and gaining top spot after a 2–1 effort against Kazakhstan 70–49 (W), Lebanon 86–82 (W) and Korea 75–76 (L) in pool play.

A 1/4 final with Jordan produced a 98–70 (W). The semi-final drew them against Australia, which result in a 79-106 (L). A playoff for bronze against Korea was on the cards, but they come up short in 71–80 (L). They finished 4th overall with a 3–3 record.[51]

  • Shea Illi was named to the All-Star Tournament team as PG.

The Tall Blacks also had their first FIBA World Cup 2019 qualification window matches. Against South Korea and Hong Kong for seeding through to the 2019 Fiba World Cup. They went 1-1 in this window.

  • 80-86 L vs. South Korea @ Wellington, New Zealand.
  • 133-74 W vs. Hong Kong @ Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

The loss to South Korea cost them 3 places in the world rankings - they dropped to 30th overall and 4th in Asia.

  • At the end of 2017 former captain and current assistant coach Pero Cameron was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.[52]

2018 Commonwealth Games Tournament & World Cup Qualification

The Comm Games were held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Some games were alernatively played in Carins and Townsville. They joined hosts Australia, alongside Canada, Nigeria, England, Scotland, The Cameroon and India.[53] Coming out of pool A through to the semi-finals with a 2–1 record against Nigera (W), Australia (L) and Canada (W). They lost their semi-final to Canada 86–88, sending them to the 3rd place final with Scotland. They then dispatched Scotland 79–69 to pick up a bronze medal. Finishing with a 3-2 record.

Another FIBA window appeared this time it was two away games:

  • 82-73 W vs. China @ Donggaun, China
  • 93-84 W vs. South Korea @ Seoul, Korea.

Even though they picked up two wins, their ranking stayed at 38th in the FIBA world rankings.[54]

2019 - The World Cup journey continues, a trip to Japan, Australia then onto Finals Tournament

Continuing on from the end of 2017 the Asia Cup qualifying matches wrapped up in early 2019.

Jun & Jul 2018 / Sept 2018:

  • 124–65 W vs. Hong Kong at Energy Events Centre, Rotorua.
  • 67–57 W vs. China at Spark Arena, Auckland.
  • 107–66 W vs. Syria at Nouhad Nawfal Stadium, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon.
  • 63–60 W vs. Lebanon at Energy Events Centre, Rotorua.

Nov / Dec 2018 & Feb 2019:

  • 95–69 W vs. Jordan at Horncastle Arena, Christchurch.
  • 97–74 W vs. Syria at TSB Bank Arena, Wellington.
  • 69-57 W vs. Lebanon at Lebanon.
  • 80-89 L vs. Jordan at Jordan.

During the qualifier window of 18 months the Tall Blacks went 10-2, blooding many new players, with 22 different players suiting up.

The Tall Blacks had a 2 game series in Japan[55] going 1-1. They also had 2 games against Canada, played in Australia. They went 0-2 again, with the second loss coming in OT. Another preperation tournament invite saw the Tall Blacks play 3 games at the Shenyang Invitational (China). Going 1-2 against France (L), Serbia (L) and Italy (W) 88-82.

World Cup Finals Tournament - Also hosted in China. Finishing 3rd in Group F with a 1–2 record, with a notable win again Montenegro 93–83, but suffering losses to Brazil and Greece.[56] This placing them into the 17–32 classification round.

Facing Türkiye and collecting a 111-81 win (Their first against them), along with 102-101 win against Japan.

  • A final ranking of 19th was picked up from an overall 3–2 record. This would get them into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Qualifiing Tournament by finshing in the top 23.
  • Their FIBA Ranking dropped to 24th in the world.

Early 2020's - The era of cancellations and the fight to get to the 2021 Asia Cup

The Tall Blacks initially qualified for the 2020 Olympic Qualifying Tournament through their ranking earned at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. But due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions and budget costs, Basketball New Zealand decided that they would withdraw from the tournament.[57] Initially the Tall Blacks were placed in Pool C qualifiers alongside Australia, Guam and Hong Kong for the Asia Cup Finals. During this time former Tall Blacks Captain Pero Cameron was appointed as Head Coach after former Captain Paul Henare stepped down.[58]

2020 results:

  • 108–98 W vs. Australia @ Brisbane (their first W against Australia in over a decade)
  • 113–94 W vs. Guam @ Yigo Village, Guam
  • 52–81 L vs. Australia @ Carins[59]

A return leg vs. Australia was slated for Auckland, but moved to Cairns, Australia again due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. 10 debutants were included in this series (Only Australian-based players were selected) containing the likes of current TB's Taine Murray and Jordan Hunt. Mika Vukona who lead the team during this series would play his last game for the Tall Blacks.[60] A series with Hong Kong or a return game with Guam was never completed.

The Finals Tournament itself was moved from 2021 to 2022, hosted by Indonesia. Coming out of Group D with a 3–2 record record, they bet India and The Philippines, but lost to Lebanon (72–86). A finals playoff tilt against Syria was won 97–58 followed by knocking over South Korea in the 1/4 finals (88–78). The Tall Blacks faced Australia in the semi-finals. A loss 76-85 loss sent them to a 3rd place playoff with Jordan. Getting up over Jordan 83–75 and picking up there first medal in 2 attempts.[61]

  • World ranking adjusted from 27th to 24th with a 5-2 effort.
  • They led the tournament (Rebounds) 49.6 rpg.
  • Tohi Smith-Milner was named in the All-tournament team.

The team won bronze at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.[62]

2023 FIBA World Cup Qualification

The qualification road to the 2023 World Cup was a bit of a bizarre one for the Tall Blacks. Placed in Asia / Oceania Group A for the first round, They played several games overseas due to the ongoing heavy COVID restrictions in New Zealand at the time. South Korea was also disqualified by FIBA and forfeited the game points against the Tall Blacks due to COVID-19 concerns.[63]

Feb 2022 Window, that was held entirely in the Philippines.

  • 101–46 W vs. India, 95–60 W vs. India, 88–63 W vs. Philippines.

June, Aug & Nov 2022 Window:

  • 106–60 W vs. Philippines @ Auckland, New Zealand
  • 80–65 W vs. Saudi Arabia @ Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • 100–72 W vs. Jordan @ Auckland, New Zealand
  • 77–65 L vs. Lebanon @ Beirut, Lebanon
  • 92–75 W vs. Jordan @ Amman, Jordan

Feb 2023 Window:

  • New Zealand went 9-1 in this period against Asian counter-parts.
  • The win in the final game against Lebanon in Wellington locked in a spot for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.[64]

2023 World Cup preparations, The Super Cup and Finals Tournament

The Tall Blacks embarked on short tour of Japan, spliting the series 1-1 against Japan. Then it was off to Hamburg, Germany for the Super Cup, against Canada and China or Germany. They went 0-2 here, losing to Canada 76-107 and then China 68-69.[65] The FIBA Solidarity Cup in China was next, a single game against Italy. Pushing but falling short 81-88.[66]

The 2023 finals tournament was held in Manila. The Tall Blacks were placed in the same group as the USA, Greece and Jordan. They suffered losses to Greece and the US but picked up a hard-fought overtime win against Jordan 95-87. This placed them in the 17–32 classification round. 2 more games followed against Mexico (L) and Egypt (W), splitting the class round 1–1 to end the tournament in 22nd position with an overall record of 2–3.

  • Finishing as the second highest FIBA Asia team, they gained entry into one of the 2024 Olympic Qualifying tournaments to be held in July of 2024.

Road to 2024 Paris Olympics

In placing higher than five other teams in the Asia / Oceania region at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Tall Blacks were placed into the FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament lottery. From here they were drawn to play in Piraes, Greece.[67]

They had a two game preperation slate against Finland and Polska. The Game against Finland in Espoo, Finland resulted in a heartbreaking 70-73 Loss.[68] The game against a strong Polish outfit resulted in a 59-88 Loss in Katowice, Poland.[69]

OQT pool play will see the Tall Blacks against Croatia and Slovenia. From there the top two teams will cross over to a semi-final bracket against either Egypt, Greece or the Dominican Republic from the other pool. A 1 vs. 2 ranking cross-over happens, with the winners progressing to a final.

The eventual tournament winner will secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. They will be placed in Pool A alongside Australia, Canada and the winner of the Spanish OQT.[70]

2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and Tournament

Drawn into pool B of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers - competing against Chinese Taipei, The Philippines, and Hong Kong. The schedule runs in Feb 24, Nov 24 and Feb 25 on a 1 away, 1 at home basis.[71]

Feb 2024 & Nov 2024:

  • 89–69 W vs. Taipei @ Taipei, Taiwan
  • 88–49 W vs. Hong Kong @ Auckland, New Zealand[72]
  • (A) Tall Blacks vs. Philippines @ TBC, The Philippines
  • (H) Tall Blacks vs. Taipei @ Christchurch, New Zealand

Feb 2025:

The finals tournament itself will be held in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, in August 2025.

2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifications and Tournament

The Finals tournament will be held in Qatar. Qualification for this tournament will start after the 2025 Asia Cup has been completed.

Qualification windows locked in:

  • W1: November 24 - December 2, 2025,
  • W2: February 25 - March 3, 2026,
  • W3: June 29 - July 7, 2026,
  • W4: August 24 - September 1, 2026,
  • W5: November 23 - December 1, 2026,
  • W6: February 22 - March 2, 2027.

Competitive record

Olympic Games

Olympic Games record
Year Round Position Pld W L
Germany 1936 Did not participate
United Kingdom 1948
Finland 1952
Australia 1956
Italy 1960
Japan 1964
Mexico 1968
Germany 1972
Canada 1976
Soviet Union 1980
United States 1984
South Korea 1988
Spain 1992
United States 1996
Australia 2000 Group stage 11th 6 1 5
Greece 2004 9th 6 1 5
China 2008 Did not qualify
United Kingdom 2012
Brazil 2016
Japan 2020
France 2024
United States 2028 To be determined
Australia 2032 To be determined
Total 0 Titles 2/21 12 2 10

FIBA World Cup

FIBA World Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W L
Argentina 1950 Not a FIBA member
Brazil 1954 Did not participate
Chile 1959
Brazil 1963
Uruguay 1967
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 1970
Puerto Rico 1974
Philippines 1978
Colombia 1982
Spain 1986 Group stage 21st 5 1 4
Argentina 1990 Did not qualify
Canada 1994
Greece 1998
United States 2002 Fourth place 4th 9 4 5
Japan 2006 Round of 16 9th 6 2 4
Turkey 2010 12th 6 3 3
Spain 2014 15th 6 2 4
China 2019 Group stage 19th 5 3 2
PhilippinesJapanIndonesia 2023 22nd 5 2 3
Qatar 2027 To be determined
2031 To be determined
Total 0 Titles 7/18 42 17 25

FIBA Asia Cup

FIBA Asia Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W L
1960–2015 Did not participate
Lebanon 2017 Fourth place 4th 6 3 3
Indonesia 2022 Third place 3rd 7 5 2
Saudi Arabia 2025 To be determined
2029 To be determined
Total 0 Titles 2/2 13 8 5

FIBA Oceania Championship

FIBA Oceania Championship record
Year Round Position Pld W L
New Zealand 1971 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 3
Australia 1975 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 3
New Zealand 1978 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 2
Australia 1979 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 3
New Zealand 1981 Runners-up 2nd 2 0 2
New Zealand 1983 Runners-up 2nd 2 0 2
Australia 1985 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 3
New Zealand 1987 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 2
Australia 1989 Runners-up 2nd 2 0 2
New Zealand 1991 Runners-up 2nd 2 0 2
New Zealand 1993 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 2
Australia 1995 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 2
New Zealand 1997 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 2
New Zealand 1999 Champions 1st 1 1 0
New Zealand 2001 Champions 1st 3 2 1
Australia 2003 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 3
New Zealand 2005 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 3
Australia 2007 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 2
Australia New Zealand 2009 Champions 1st 2 1 1
Australia 2011 Runners-up 2nd 3 0 3
New Zealand Australia 2013 Runners-up 2nd 2 0 2
Australia New Zealand 2015 Runners-up 2nd 2 0 2
Total 3 Titles 22/22 57 10 47

Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games record
Location / Year Round Position Pld W L
Australia 2006 Runners-up 2nd 5 4 1
Australia 2018 Third place 3rd 5 3 2
Total 0 Titles 2/2 10 7 3

Commonweath Basketball Championships

Commonwealth Basketball Championships record
Location / Year Round Position Pld W L
United Kingdom 1978 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 2
New Zealand 1983 Semi Final 4th 5 2 3
Total 0 Titles 9 4 5

Shuang Feng Cup

Shuang Feng Cup record
Location / Year Round Position Pld W L
China 2005 Champions 1st 3 3 0
Total 1 Titles 1/1 3 3 0

Atlas Challenge

Atlas Cup record
Location / Year Round Position Pld W L
China 2016 3rd Place 3rd 5 4 1
Total 0 Titles 5 4 1

FIBA Stanković Cup

FIBA Stanković Cup record
Location / Year Round Position Pld W L
China 2007 Fifth place 5th 5 2 3
China 2011 Champions 1st 4 3 1
China 2015 Champions 1st 3 3 0
Total 2 Titles 12 8 4

FIBA Super Cup

FIBA Super Cup record
Location / Year Round Position Pld W L
Germany 2023 Fourth place 4th 2 0 2
Total 0 Titles 2 0 2

William Jones Cup

William Jones Cup record
Location / Year Round Position Pld W L
Chinese Taipei 1980 Third place 3rd 9 6 3
Chinese Taipei 1981 Classifcation 7th 8 2 6
Chinese Taipei 1982 Classifcation 8th 8 1 7
Chinese Taipei 1999 Third place 3rd 8 5 3
Chinese Taipei 2000 Champions 1st 6 6 0
Total 1 Title 39 21 19

Team

Current roster

Roster for the 2024 Olympic Quailfying Tournament, Greece.

New Zealand National Basketball Team – 2024 FIBA Basketball Olympic Quaiflying roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr.
F 1 Reuben Te Rangi (C) 29 – (1994-10-14)14 October 1994 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) Auckland Tuatara New Zealand
PG 2 Izayah Le'afa 27 – (1996-11-07)7 November 1996 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Wellington Saints New Zealand
PF 3 Finn Delany 28 – (1995-08-12)12 August 1995 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) New Zealand Breakers New Zealand
SG 9 Corey Webster 35 – (1988-11-29)29 November 1988 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Auckland Tuatara New Zealand
PG 51 Shea Ili 30 – (1992-10-06)6 October 1992 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) Melbourne United Australia
PF 5 Yanni Wetzell 27 – (1996-07-08)8 July 1996 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Alba Berlin Germany
PG 11 Flynn Cameron 22 – (2000-06-30)30 June 2000 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) Taranaki Airs New Zealand
F 10 Ben Gold 22 – (2001-04-26)26 April 2001 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) Marquette Golden Eagles United States
SF 20 Jordan Ngatai 30 – (1993-03-07)7 March 1993 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Hawke's Bay Hawks New Zealand
C 24 Tyrell Harrision 24 – (1999-07-06)6 July 1999 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) Brisbane Bullets Australia
G 12 Ethan Rusbatch 32 – (1992-05-24)24 May 1992 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Franklin Bulls New Zealand
PF 42 Dan Fotu 24 – (1999-06-24)24 June 1999 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Nelson Giants New Zealand
PF 15 Tom Vodanovich 28 – (1994-07-28)28 July 1994 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Auckland Tuatara New Zealand
C Sam Waardenburg Injured 24 – (1999-02-21)21 February 1999 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Cairns Taipans New Zealand
SF 8 Sam Mennenga 22 – (2001-12-12)12 December 2001 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) AS Karditsas Greece
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • New Zealand Ross McMains
  • New Zealand Trent Adams
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Club – describes last
    club before the competition
  • Country - denotes the Country the club is based in
  • Age – describes age
    on 17 June 2024

Notable players

[74]

Past Coaches

All-time Stat Leaders

[75]

Past rosters

New Zealand 1978 Commonwealth Championships finished 2nd

John Macdonald, Stan Hill, John Hill, John Van Uden, Gordon Reardon, Warwick Meehl, John Rademakers, Stuart Ferguson, John Fairweather, Paul Barrett, (Head Coach: Steve McKean, Assistant Coach: Peter Schmidt, Manager: Ivan Dominikovich)

New Zealand 1986 World Championship: finished 21st among 24 teams

Gilbert Gordon, Peter Pokai, Stan Hill, Neil Stephens, Dave Edmonds, Ian Webb, Dave Mason, Tony Smith, Colin Crampton, Frank Mulvihill, Glen Denham, John Rademakers (Head Coach: Robert Bishop)

New Zealand 2000 Olympic Games: finished 11th among 12 teams

Sean Marks, Pero Cameron, Mark Dickel, Phill Jones, Kirk Penney, Robert Hickey, Nenad Vučinić, Tony Rampton, Paul Henare, Brad Riley, Ralph Lattimore, Peter Pokai (Head Coach: Keith Mair)

New Zealand 2002 World Championship: finished 4th among 16 teams

Sean Marks, Pero Cameron, Mark Dickel, Phill Jones, Kirk Penney, Robert Hickey, Dillon Boucher, Damon Rampton, Ed Book, Paul Henare, Paora Winitana, Judd Flavell (Head Coach: Tab Baldwin)

New Zealand 2004 Olympic Games: finished 10th among 12 teams

Sean Marks, Mark Dickel, Phill Jones, Pero Cameron, Kirk Penney, Dillon Boucher, Ed Book, Paul Henare, Paora Winitana, Tony Rampton, Aaron Olson, Craig Bradshaw (Head Coach: Tab Baldwin)

New Zealand 2006 World Championship: finished 16th among 24 teams

Kirk Penney, Pero Cameron, Phill Jones, Mark Dickel, Casey Frank, Paul Henare, Dillon Boucher, Paora Winitana, Tony Rampton, Craig Bradshaw, Aaron Olson, Mika Vukona (Head Coach: Tab Baldwin)

New Zealand 2010 World Championship: finished 12th among 24 teams

Thomas Abercrombie, Benny Anthony, Craig Bradshaw, Pero Cameron, Michael Fitchett, Casey Frank, Phill Jones, Jeremy Kench, Kirk Penney, Alex Pledger, Lindsay Tait, Mika Vukona (Head Coach: Nenad Vučinić)

New Zealand 2014 World Championship: finished 15th among 24 teams

New Zealand 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship

Corey Webster, Dion Prewster, Everard Bartlett, Isaac Fotu, Jarrod Kenny, Lindsay Tait, Mika Vukona (C), Reuben Te Rangi, Robert Loe, Shea Ili, Tai Wynyard, Thomas Abercrombie. (Head CoachPaul Henare), (Assisants Ross McMains, Mike Fitchett)

New Zealand 2019 World Championship: finished 19th among 32 teams

Tai Webster, Finn Delany, Shea Ili, Jarrod Kenny, Corey Webster (C), Thomas Abercrombie, Robert Loe, Tohi Smith-Milner, Jordan Ngatai, Ethan Rusbatch, Alex Pledger, Isaac Fotu. (Head coach Paul Henare), (assistants Pero Cameron, Ross McMains)

New Zealand 2023 World Cup : finished 22nd among 32 teams

Reuben Te Rangi (C), Izayah Le'afa, Finn Delany, Taylor Britt, Shea Ili, Yanni Wetzell, Flynn Cameron, Tohi Smith-Milner, Jordan Ngatai, Hyrum Harris, Walter Brown, Isaac Fotu.

(Head Coach Pero Cameron), (Assistant coach(es), Zico Coronel, Michael Fitchett, Aaron Young)[76][77]

Kit

Manufacturer

2015: Peak[78]

References

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