Flavell Names First Tall Blacks Roster for Asia Cup Qualifiers

In his first official task as Head Coach, Judd Flavell has named his first Tall Blacks roster for two upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in the Philippines on November 21, and at home in Christchurch against Chinese Taipei on Monday November 25.

The 13-strong roster sees veteran guard Corey Webster (188-SG-1988, college: Lambuth) edge closer to the magical 100 games in the black singlet (currently at 97), and joins Izayah Le’afa (Sydney Kings), Tom Vodanovich (Southeast Melbourne Phoenix), Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets), Sam Mennenga (BNZ Breakers), and Flynn Cameron (Melbourne United) in backing up from the 2024 FIBA Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Greece.

The presence of Cameron, Le’afa, Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams), Hyrum Harris (Perth Wildcats), and Walter Brown (Tasmania Jackjumpers) at the 2023 FIBA World Cup also ensures plenty of tournament experience in Flavell’s first roster.

If the guard line has the experience, the front court is an exciting collection of young talent, with Mennenga (22 years old), Sam Waardenburg (25), and Harrison (25) having the potential to feature in the black singlet together for the next 8 to 10 years, while BNZ Breaker Max Darling (24) is yet another young star emerging into his prime. All are starters with their Australian NBL teams.

As is often the case in Tall Black rosters, there is room for exciting young talent to earn their stripes, with a first call up for BNZ Breakers development player Kaia Isaac (21 years old), and age group star Oscar Goodman (17), the Taranaki youngster is rewarded for his fine showing at the recent FIBA U17 World Cup, while Walter Brown has already played 14 games for New Zealand at just 21 years of age.

“Selecting this first group for the upcoming Asia Cup qualifiers is another exciting step for me on a personal level, and one I don’t take for granted as someone who has been in their shoes waiting for that phone call,” said Flavell, who played 38 times for New Zealand.

“Passing on news of their selection has just been such a humbling experience, for me to hear the pride they take in national selection, hearing what the singlet means to them and their families has been hugely rewarding and a reminder of what makes this team so special.

17-year-old power forward Oscar Goodman has enjoyed a whirlwind year, the New Plymouth product named to the All-Star 5 at the FIBA U17 World Cup as New Zealand progressed to the semi-finals, 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.

“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.

“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.”

At 17 years 289 days v Philippines or 17 years 293 days v Chinese Taipei, Goodman would become the 8th or 9thyoungest Tall Black if he takes to the court. Tai Wynard is the youngest ever at 16 years 160 days when he debuted in 2014.

Flavell echoed the excitement of his newly selected players as he summed up the talent available for this window.

“This is an exciting group, a young group playing at a high level for their Australian clubs. Look at Tyrell, Sam Mennenga, Sam Waardenburg, Flynn, Izayah, Max, Hyrum – all in the early to mid-twenties and all playing vital roles at very good clubs in a very good league that is gaining worldwide attention.

“Add that experience of Corey, Tom and Taylor – and the chance to integrate the energy and excitement of the younger players in Walter, Kaia and Oscar and I think we have a fantastic blend in this group and for these two testing games.”

If New Zealand was to win both games the Tall Blacks would book their spot at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia next August, with two qualifiers still to play.

Tall Blacks Roster to play FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

Taylor Britt, Guard, Canterbury Rams, 28 years old, 27 games for New Zealand

Corey Webster, Guard, Auckland Tuatara, 35, 97 games

Kaia Isaac, Guard, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 21, 0 games

Flyn Cameron, Guard, Melbourne United/Taranaki Airs, 24, 26 games

Izayah Mauriohooho Le’afa, Guard, Sydney Kings/Wellington Saints, 27, 25 games

Walter Brown, Guard/Forward, Tasmania JackJumpers/Canterbury Rams, 21, 14 games

Hyrum Harris, Forward, Perth Wildcats/Wellington Saints, 28, 17 games

Tom Vodanovich, Forward, Southeast Melbourne Phoenix/Auckland Tuatara, 30, 14 games

Oscar Goodman, Forward, NBA Global Academy/New Plymouth Boys, 17, 0 games

Max Darling, Forward, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 24, 4 games

Sam Mennenga, Forward/Centre, BNZ Breakers, 22, 8 games

Sam Waardenburg, Centre/Forward, Cairns Taipans, 25, 1 game

Tyrell Harrison, Centre, Brisbane Bullets, 25, 10 games