A message for athletes selected to New Zealand’s junior national teams: we congratulate you
Basketball New Zealand recognized another group of the country’s elite talent with the announcement of its 2020 junior national team rosters.
The teams were announced via video earlier today by head coaches Hernando Planells (Junior Tall Ferns) and Aaron Fearne (Junior Tall Blacks), despite the harsh reality that some of these players may be unable to participate due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Each team was set to play in a tournament later this year: the Junior Tall Ferns in the Four Nations International in China, while the Junior Tall Blacks in the Albert Schweitzer International in Germany. However, both events were cancelled due to COVID-19.
Despite unfortunate circumstances, Basketball New Zealand High Performance Director Leonard King said that naming these athletes to the roster was important as it helps shine the light on up-and-coming kiwi talent so that they can be “seen and sought out by college scouts looking to fill scholarship positions, teams within the Sal’s National Basketball Leagues (men’s and women’s) and any other opportunities that this recognition helps secure.”
BBNZ also revealed that there will be another selection for Basketball New Zealand Under 19 teams later in the year, which will look toward the FIBA U18 Asian Championship tournament.
With all the craziness going on in the world, it’s important to recognize that these athletes have worked tirelessly to better their craft so that they may represent their country at an elite level. Even though they may not be able to suit up in the black singlet this year, they have still done their country proud and are among the elite players in the talent pool who are helping set the pace for the achievements and opportunities that this sport brings.
So, to the young athletes that were named to these teams, know you deserve to be celebrated. This post is in recognition of you and all your work. For the many hours perfecting your shot, nailing rebounds and gaining strength for international basketball, you’ve earned every bit of it. Your talent doesn’t go unnoticed.
The 2020 Junior Tall Ferns: (head coach: Hernando Planells, alongside assistant coaches Shay Haira, Bronwen Davidson and George Robinson)
Jazzmyne Kailahi-Fulu (Center, Harbour Basketball)
“A long, athletic forward who can play on the perimeter and on the inside. She’s silky smooth finishing at the basket and she plays hard every single day.”
Dominique Stephens (Center, Waikato Basketball)
“She gives us great size and versatility in the front court. She’s another long athlete, rebounds the ball very well and is extremely hard to guard from the high post.”
Raquel Sampson (Power Forward, New Plymouth Basketball)
“A tremendous rebounder and has three point shooting ability. When she gets the the ball in the post you can’t stop her.”
Victoria Ikenasio (Power Forward, New Zealand)
“A tough-minded rebounder who’s physical on the inside. She’s not afraid to throw her body around and can finish against anybody.”
Ashlee Strawbridge (Small Forward, Canterbury Basketball)
“She’s tough, strong and plays relentless in every part of the game. She’s a tremendous rebounder and can shoot the three and has showed leadership at her position.”
Ella Paleaae-Cook (Small Forward, New Zealand)
“Another lengthy defender who can definitely shoot the three and a tremendous rebounder with the ability to go coast-to-coast any time she wants to.”
Melika Samia (Small Forward, Basketball Hawke’s Bay)
“A tremendous outside shooter who can shoot from NBA-range.”
Olivia Williams (Shooting Guard, New Zealand)
“She gives us versatility and length and another strong ball handler and someone who can score on all three phases of the floor.”
Caitlin O’Connell (Point Guard, Taranaki Country Basketball)
“She’s very crafty with the ball, knows how to get in the lane and is another leader who understands our team culture.”
Jessica Moors (Shooting Guard, Harbour Basketball)
“A tough, hard-nose athlete who plays at 100 miles per hour every single play. She can knock down the open jump shot, finds open teammates and as a rebounder she is relentless.”
Arielle Williams Mackey (Shooting Guard, Waikato Basketball)
“A tremendous guard who controls tempo, can shoot the ball and defend but what we really love about her is her leadership qualities to make her teammates better.”
Waiata Jennings (Point Guard, Rotorua Basketball)
“She’s a true floor general. A crafty ball handler, finds the open people on drives and has the ability to make her teammates better.”
Reserves:
Quaye Walker-Eketone (Point Guard, Waikato Basketball)
“A tremendous outside shooter and isn’t afraid to attack the basket.”
Ramona Fuaivaa (Shooting Guard, Waitakere West Auckland Basketball)
“She’s another strong guard who can get in the lane any time she wants.”
Hannah Matehaere (Small Forward, Basketball Otago)
“A strong wing player who’s a lock down defender, an amazing rebounder and a mid-range jump shooter who can hit any shot over anybody.”
Sophie Adams (Power Forward, Canterbury Basketball)
“A face-up forward who can attack the basket and gives us another tremendous rebounder.”
Also a massive congratulations to those named to the Junior Tall Blacks (head coach Aaron Fearne and assistants Matt Lacey, Aaron Young and Lindsay Tait):
Connor Ngan (Point Guard, Basketball Auckland)
“His fight is unbelievable and defense is first class. He will be an asset for us in transition.”
Alexander McNaught (Point Guard, Basketball Auckland)
“He brings great leadership to this program both on and off the court and on the floor his defensive intensity is first class.”
Jackson Smyth (Shooting Guard, New Zealand)
“He has a high basketball IQ and is a great decision maker and has an ability to make the correct play at the right time.”
Harrison Payne (Shooting Guard, Waitakere West Auckland)
“Has great poise under pressure, very comfortable at the offensive end making plays mid-range.”
Taine Murray (Shooting Guard, Harbour Basketball)
“Great international size as a combo guard, great leadership skills and stretch the floor with the three ball and his activity defensively will be a huge asset for this team.”
Sean Murphy (Small Forward, Harbour Basketball)
“He has great international size on the wing, understands our system well and can guard multiple positions.”
Clifton Bush III (Small Forward, Basketball Hawke’s Bay)
“He has great length and athleticism and will be very good for us in transition.”
Reihana Maxwell-Topia (Small Forward, Harbour Basketball)
“He embodies what our culture is about, leads our Haka, has a high basketball IQ and executes our defensive system at an extremely high level.”
Robbie Coman (Power Forward, Basketball Auckland)
“He has a great basketball IQ, an ability to shoot the three and rebounds at a high level for this team.”
Rishon Royce (Power Forward, New Zealand)
“A very physical player who competes and competes at 100 miles an hour.”
Tommy Fergusson (Center, Basketball Hawke’s Bay)
“He’ll bring great aggressiveness and physicality and finds a way to be in the right place at the right time.”
Mac Stodart (Center, Canterbury)
“He has an ability to stretch the floor and shoot the three ball, a team-first guy and has a great positive attitude.”
Reserves:
Kael Robinson (Small Forward, Waikato)
Finn Lally (Small Forward, Waikato)
Ezrah Ayden Vaigafa (Point Guard, New Zealand)
Aidan Tonge (Power Forward, Rotorua)
We can’t wait to see you shine on the big stage once it’s safe to do so. But in the meantime, stay safe and as always, Tu Kaha.
