New Zealand men's national basketball team

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

New Zealand

FIBA ranking	21 (1 March 2024)
Joined FIBA	1951
FIBA zone	FIBA Oceania
National federation	Basketball New Zealand
Coach	Pero Cameron
Nickname(s)	Tall Blacks
Olympic Games
Appearances	2
Medals	None
FIBA World Cup
Appearances	7
Medals	None
FIBA Asia Cup
Appearances	2
Medals	Bronze: (2022)
FIBA Oceania Championship
Appearances	22
Medals	Gold: (1999, 2001, 2009) Silver: (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015)
Home Away
First international
New Zealand 72–64 Singapore (Singapore; 1 September 1962)
Biggest win
New Zealand 136–41 New Caledonia (Wellington, New Zealand; 1 September 1997)
Biggest defeat
New Zealand 59–115 Australia (Christchurch, New Zealand; 4 September 1987)

The New Zealand men's national basketball team (Māori: Te kapa poitūkohu o Aotearoa) represents New Zealand in international basketball competitions. The team is governed by Basketball New Zealand. The team's official nickname is the Tall Blacks (Māori: Pango Tāroaroa).

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. Recently Oceania was amalgamated with the Asian FIBA zone and the team has made two appearances at the FIBA Asia Cup. Their best effort resulting in a bronze medal finish in 2022.

Haka

Tu Kaha O Pango Te Kahikatea - Composed and created by Don Hutana and former Tall Black Paora Winitana, is performed before every game. It tells the story of how the Tall Blacks overcome great odds and challenges through their adventures. Drawing from the story of Tāne and how he overcame adversity to gain the three baskets of knowledge.

History

First international test match and tour

The first real test as such, was played against Singapore of which they won, was part of their Asian 1962 tour. The tour included several practice games in Australia and other games against select teams from Malayisa and Thailand.

1970's – A shift in momentum

In 1970 New Zealand was able to host the Czechoslovakia basketball team for a test series as a tag on from their tour of Australia. The Czechs were ranked 6th in the world from a previous Basketball world championships. The TB's lost the series 0-2 but gained some valuabe experience against a powerful european outfit. The Czech's also played against several New Zealand provincal teams on their tour.

• 115–60 L vs. Czechoslovakia
• 118–62 L vs. Czechoslovakia

Booth, Roger (2020). History of NZ Basketball. p. 64.

They used this series to prepare for their assignment in 1971, which was hosting Australia to find the first Oceania Champion. The winner would be given a berth at the 1972 Olympics. However they ended up losing this series 0–3.

New Zealand Games & 1976 Montreal Olympics qualifying

Based in Christchurch right after the 1974 Commonwealth Games, Basketball featured as one of the few sports present at the NZ Games (At the time basketball was not part of the Commonwealth games format). NZ invited Australia, the Philippines and Tahiti. They split the series 2–2, with both wins coming against Tahiti.

In Oct / Nov of 1975 they headed to Australia for the 3 test series decider for the Oceania berth at the 1976 Olympics. They again lost the series 0–3 to Australia, thus failing to qualify.

That first win against Australia & 1978 Commonwealth Basketball Championship

The 78 Oceania Championship, a best of 3 series – for a berth at the Basketball World Championships to be held in Manilla, the Philippines. New Zealand hosted the series, after dropping the first game in Auckland they stormed into the second and finally for the first time bet Australia 67–65. This setup a 3rd match in Christchurch but they fell short, losing the series 1–2.

After this series the Tall Blacks headed to the United Kingdom for the newly formed Commonwealth Championship Competition. They played two warm up matches against Scotland and then England. Pool play was held in Coventry against Canada (81-99 L), Wales (94-50 W) and Northen Ireland (92-57 W). They ended the tournament with a 2–2 record, losing the final to Canada (107-68) and picking up the silver medal.

Roll on the 80's

In 79 the Tall Blacks again attempted to beat Australia for the qualifying spot at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. There was to be no winning this time around and to make things worse it was another 0–3 series loss.

1980 – 1982 William Jones Cup

The Tall Blacks were invited to the Cup from 80 through 82. All played in Taiwan and coming away with mixed results at each tournament. A 3rd placing in 80.

• Stan Hill was selected for the 80 and 81 All–Tournament Teams.
• Don Orndoff was selected for the 82 All–Tournament Team.

1983 Kirin Invitational, Taiwan Tournament and Commonwealth Basketball Championship

The Tall Blacks were invited to Japan and Taiwan. They finished with 4–2 record to win the Kirin event in Japan a first win of an international event. In Taiwan they finished 4th with 6–3 record.

It was now New Zealand's shot at hosting the Commonwealth Championships. They invited Gibraltar, Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, England and Hong Kong. Games were spread all over New Zealand with some televised. A New Zealand Mens Junior team also took part. The Tall Blacks unfortunately finished with a 2–3 record, failing to medal.

1986 FIBA World Championship

The Tall Blacks gained a wild card entry, paid the $120,000 fee and made plans to head to the tournament staged in Spain. On the way they made stops in the US and England for preparation games. Notable a game against the US in Tucson, AZ. Other games were organised against local club and all star teams.

Placed in Group D alongside Yugoslavia, Canada, Argentina, The Netherlands and Malaysia. The Tall Blacks finished 21st overall (1–4 record), picking up a single win 77–75 over Malaysia.

• Stan Hill announced his retirement at the end of this tournament, he had amassed 131 games in the black singlet.

A visit from Russia in 1987

New Zealand was very fortunate to have a visit from the world number two Russian's playing a two match series, used as preparations for the 1987 Oceania Series against Australia. Hosted in Nelson and Christchurch, going down 0-2, but gaining some valuable experience.

In the Oceania series, French Polynesia joined alongside Australia hosted in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Tall Blacks went 1-2 in this series coming second. A New Zealand development team was also included to give each team a warm up game.

1990's & the largest win margin

Throughout the 90's The Tall Blacks continued to pick up invites to many tournaments that fell outside of the FIBA Oceania Championships. During this time basketball started to increase in popularity in New Zealand. They made regular trips to Europe, the US, and Asia to compete with their teams in preparation for the ongoing series against Australia to determine the Oceania Champion and entry to the Olympics and World Cups. On trips to the US they played against college teams.

• 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 some notable basketball nations in the 90's. Booth, Roger (2020). History of NZ Basketball. p. 254.

• vs. Japan - won series 3-0 (1991)
• vs. Croatia - lost series 0-1 (1997)
• vs. Canada - tied series 1-1 (1998)

In 1997 New Caledonia joined the Tall Blacks and Australia for the Oceania Championship that was held in Palmerston North and Wellington, 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 missing out again on the world championship berth in 1998.

1999 William Jones Cup, Kirk Penny & Sean Marks arrive, a FIBA Oceania Crown

The Tall Blacks returned to Taiwan for the 99 edition of the WJ Cup. Coming 3rd after going 5-3. Kirk Penney & Sean Marks - suited up for their first matches in 1999. Both would go on to have long careers with Penny holding the total points scored title. These two would also be the first and second New Zealanders to play in the NBA.

With Australia not required to qualify (They were granted a spot as hosts) the FIBA Oceania spot was up for grabs. The winner was decided in a one-off game between the Tall Blacks and Guam. Played in Auckland, New Zealand and winning 125–43, the Tall Blacks for the first time qualified for the Olympic Games. At the time it was also hoped other Oceania nations would participate to have more game exposure, however all but Guam pulled out due to player ineligibility under Olympic rules.

The start of a new decade & a first Olympic Games showing

The Tall Blacks made sure they had the best build up they could before heading Sydney for the Olympics. A visit from England saw the Tall Blacks pick up another convincing 3-0 series win. The Tall Blacks joined Australia, Canada and Russia at the Energy Slam down under Tournament. They went 0-4 in this tough series.

William Jones Cup The Tall Blacks travelled back to Taiwan, competing alongside South Africa, South Korea, Costa Rica, The Philippines, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong. Playing 6 games - going undefeated, notably taking out South Korea in the Final 78–67.

• Tony Rampton was named the MVP of the Tournament

Sydney Olympics - In their first ever appearance at the Summer Games the Tall Blacks were placed in Group A alongside US, Italy, China, Latvija 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 2nd in rebounds (7.3 rpg)
• Pero Cameron finished the tournament 2nd in steals (1.7spg)

2001 Goodwill Games & 2001 FIBA Oceania Championship

Held in Brisbane, Australia - The Goodwill Games had the Tall Blacks placed in Group B. Playing against Canada, Brazil, and hosts Australia. Beating Canada and Brazil but losing to Australia in group play. Heading to the 5th–8th playoffs they beat Cuba, but lost to Canada. Finishing 6th overall with a 3–2 record. They also played the USA in a warm up game going down 59-101.

• Kirk Penny lead the team in points with 14.8ppg

In the Oceania Championship the now Tab Baldwin coached squad was ready to face Australia in a three-game series held in New Zealand. The Tall Blacks rallied to bet Australia 2–1 to qualify for the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis, United States.

• 85-78 W vs. Australia, @ Wellington
• 81-75 L vs. Australia, @ Hamilton
• 89-78 W vs. Autstralia @ Auckland

This was their first series win against Australia.

Pre tournament and Finals of the 2002 FIBA World Championship

Pre Tournament action - The Tall Blacks headed to France, Germany for the FIBA Super Cup and series in Canada. They lost the series to France 0-2, went 2-3 at the Super Cup and had a tied series with Canada 1-1. What stunned the basketball world at the time was the Tall Blacks bet the current World Champions Yugoslavia at the Super Cup in their opening game.

The World Championship Finals were held in Indianapolis, USA. the Tall Blacks pushed into the second round after beating China, Venezuela and Russia. Losses came at the hands of the USA, Argentina and Germany in Group D.

Storming into the 1/4 finals against Puerto Rico and winning 65–63, sending them to a Semifinal against Yugoslavia. However their run ended ended here witha a 87-89 defeat. Playing for the bronze medal against Germany they also lost 117-94 ending with a 4–5 record. New Zealand had finished 4th, to date this has been their best finish at a World Cup / World Championship.

• Tall Blacks Captain Pero Cameron was the only non-NBA player named to the All-Tournament team
• Phil Jones was listed as 9th best scorer at 19.2 ppg
• Mark Dickel was listed as 2nd in assists with 4.6apg

2003 A tour from Czech Republic, the Efes Pilsen Cup and an Oceania title

The Czechs toured New Zealand (Hamilton, Invercargill and Christchurch), The Tall Blacks picked up a series win 2-1.

later in the year New Zealand was invited the Efes sponsored tournament in Turkey. Placed in Group A alongside Italy and Serbia. They lost both their group matches and then also dropped their 5th place match against Lativa.

The Oceania series was a battle for a higher ranking at the Athens Olympics. All three games we played in the state of Victoria, Australia. The Tall Blacks went 0-3, with Australia claiming the higher ranking.

The Road to 2004 Athens Olympics

Having gained entry to Olympic finals via their 4th placing at the previous world championships, the Tall Blacks a series with Australia and tour to the US and Europe before the heading to Athens.

The Series against Australia (In New Zealand) was 1-2 defeat. Their tour matches in the US saw a tied series with Puerto Rico 1-1 along with a scrimmage match against the NBA laden US Team. They also had a 5 game slate in Europe against Hungry, Greece and Bulgaria going 1-4. Booth, Roger (2020). History of NZ Basketball. p. 386.

Olympics - Placed in group A and playing Italy, China, Serbia and Montenegro, Argentina and Spain. The Tall Blacks finished with a 1–5 record defeated the then reigning 2002 FIBA World Championship gold medallists, Serbia and Montenegro, 90–87. In the play off for 9th position they lost to Australia 98–80 finishing 10th.

• Phil Jones (points) with 21ppg finished 2nd.
• Mark Dickel (assists) with 4.5 apg finished 3rd.
• Dillon Boucher (steals) with 1.8 spg finished 5th.

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.

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..

• 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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, 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 qualifed 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, Belguim, Portugal and Finland. Notable on this tour was the inclusion of 18 year old future star Thomas Abercrombie.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 forth consecutive time. Playing against Lietuva, but lost the match 76–71. New Zealand finished in 15th place overall.

• 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 Britian '(W), Croatia (L) and Slovenja (L).

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.

• 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.

• Corey Webster finished second in scoring with 21.7PPG
• Tai Webster finished second in rebounds with 9.7rpg

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.

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

The Tall Blacks also had their first FIBA World Cup 2019 quaification window mathces. 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.

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. 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.

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

Continuing on from the end 2017 the Qualifying matches wrapped up in early 2019.

Jun & Jul 2018 / Sept 2018:

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

Nov / Dec 2018 & Feb 2019:

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

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

The Tall Blacks had a 2 game series in Japan 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 noteable win again Montenegro 93–83, but suffering losses to Brazil and Greece. 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. 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.

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

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. 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.

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

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.

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:

• 110–63 W vs. Saudi Arabia @ Christchurch, New Zealand
• 106–91 W vs. Lebanon @ Wellington, New Zealand

• 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.

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 for games against Canada and China or Germany. They went 0-2 here, losing to Canada 76-107 and then China 68-69. The FIBA Solidarity Cup in China was next, a single game against Italy. Pushing but falling short 81-88.

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.

A two game preperation slate is planned against Finland and Polska.

• June 25th vs. Finland @ Espoo Arena, Finland
• June 28th vs. Polska @ Katowice, Poland

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.

2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and Tournament

New Zealand has been drawn into pool B of the Asia 2025 Cup Qualifiers. Competing against Chinese Taipei, The Philippines, and Hong Kong. Matches are scheduled in Feb 24, Nov 24 and Feb 25 on a 1 away, 1 at home basis.

Feb 2024 & Nov 2024:

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

Feb 2025:

• (A) Tall Blacks vs. Hong Kong
• (H) Tall Blacks vs. The Philippines @ TBC, New Zealand

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

2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifications and Tournament

TBC & held in Qatar. Qualification for this will start after the 2025 Asia Cup has been completed.

Competitive record

Olympic Games

Olympic Games record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	L
1936	Did not participate
1948
1952
1956
1960
1964
1968
1972
1976
1980
1984
1988
1992
1996
2000	Group stage	11th	6	1	5
2004		9th	6	1	5
2008	Did not qualify
2012
2016
2020
2024	To be determined
Total	0 Titles	2/21	12	2	10

FIBA World Cup

FIBA World Cup record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	L
1950	Not a FIBA member
1954	Did not participate
1959
1963
1967
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986	Group stage	21st	5	1	4
1990	Did not qualify
1994
1998
2002	Fourth place	4th	9	4	5
2006	Round of 16	9th	6	2	4
2010		12th	6	3	3
2014		15th	6	2	4
2019	Group stage	19th	5	3	2
2023		22nd	5	2	3
2027	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
2017	Fourth place	4th	6	3	3
2022	Third place	3rd	7	5	2
2025	To be determined
Total	0 Titles	2/2	13	8	5

FIBA Oceania Championship

FIBA Oceania Championship record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	L
1971	Runners-up	2nd	3	0	3
1975	Runners-up	2nd	3	0	3
1978	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	2
1979	Runners-up	2nd	3	0	3
1981	Runners-up	2nd	2	0	2
1983	Runners-up	2nd	2	0	2
1985	Runners-up	2nd	3	0	3
1987	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	2
1989	Runners-up	2nd	2	0	2
1991	Runners-up	2nd	2	0	2
1993	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	2
1995	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	2
1997	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	2
1999	Champions	1st	1	1	0
2001	Champions	1st	3	2	1
2003	Runners-up	2nd	3	0	3
2005	Runners-up	2nd	3	0	3
2007	Runners-up	2nd	3	1	2
2009	Champions	1st	2	1	1
2011	Runners-up	2nd	3	0	3
2013	Runners-up	2nd	2	0	2
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
2006	Runners-up	2nd	5	4	1
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
1978	Runners-up	2nd	4	2	2
1983	Semi Final	4th	5	2	3
Total	0 Titles	2/2	9	4	5

Shuang Feng Cup

Shuang Feng Cup record
Location / Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	L
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
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
2007	Fifth place	5th	5	2	3
2011	Champions	1st	4	3	1
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
2023	Forth 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
1980	Third place	3rd	9	6	3
1981	Classifcation	7th	8	2	6
1982	Classifcation	8th	8	1	7
1999	Third place	3rd	8	5	3
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 PG 2 Izayah Le'afa 27 – (1996-11-07)7 November 1996 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Wellington Saints PF 3 Finn Delany 28 – (1995-08-12)12 August 1995 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) New Zealand Breakers SG 9 Corey Webster 35 – (1988-11-29)29 November 1988 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Auckland Tuatara PG 5 Shea Ili 30 – (1992-10-06)6 October 1992 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) Melbourne United PF 7 Yanni Wetzell 27 – (1996-07-08)8 July 1996 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Alba Berlin PG 11 Flynn Cameron 22 – (2000-06-30)30 June 2000 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) Taranaki Airs F Ben Gold 22 – (2001-04-26)26 April 2001 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) Marquette Golden Eagles SF 20 Jordan Ngatai 30 – (1993-03-07)7 March 1993 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Hawke's Bay Hawks C 24 Tyrell Harrision 24 – (1999-07-06)6 July 1999 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) Brisbane Bullets G 12 Ethan Rusbatch 32 – (1992-05-24)24 May 1992 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Franklin Bulls PF 42 Dan Fotu 24 – (1999-06-24)24 June 1999 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Nelson Giants PF 15 Tom Vadonavich 28 – (1994-07-28)28 July 1994 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Auckland Tuatara C Sam Waardenburg 24 – (1999-02-21)21 February 1999 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Cairns Taipans	Head coach Pero Cameron Assistant coach(es) Ross McMains Legend (C) Team captain Club – describes last club before the competition Age – describes age on 17 June 2024

Notable players

• Pero Cameron – 2002 FIBA World Championship All-Tournament Team, two-time assistant coach, FIBA Hall of Fame inductee 2017, appointed Head Coach in December 2019 - current.
• Glen Denham – Tall Blacks legend, 169 games played
• Mark Dickel – Tall Blacks legend, 124 games played
• Paul Henare – Former New Zealand Breakers captain, Tall Blacks head coach 2015 - 2019
• Dillon Boucher – Former New Zealand Breakers player, GM of the New Zealand Breakers, member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, current NZNBL CEO
• Stan Hill – Former Tall Blacks captain & assistant coach, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, 144 games played
• Phill Jones – Former Cairns Taipans captain, 208 games played
• Sean Marks – Former player and assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs 2x NBA champion as a player, once as assistant coach, current GM of the Brooklyn Nets
• Kirk Penney – Former NBA player, FIBA Hall of Fame inductee May 2024, Former Tall Blacks captain, 179 games played
• Paora Winitana – In 2006 crafted the current Tall Blacks Haka, former New Zealand Breakers & Adelaide 36ers player
• Peter Pokai - Tall Blacks Legend, 176 games played

All-time Stat Leaders

• Games played / Captained: Pero Cameron (227) / (170)
• Points scored: Kirk Penney (2079), Phill Jones (1080)
• Assists: Shea Ili (237), Pero Cameron (231)
• Steals: Mika Vukona (106), Kirk Penney (94)
• Blocks: Thomas Abercrombie (48)
• Rebounds: Mika Vukona (791)

Past rosters

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

2014 World Championship: finished 15th among 24 teams

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)

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)

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)

Kit

Manufacturer

2015: Peak

External links

• Official website
• FIBA profile