BNZ Breakers trio named for Tall Blacks

The BNZ Breakers trio are part of a 13-strong roster, with Mennenga and Darling recalled and Isaac named for the first time.

Darling is currently rehabilitating from injury and will be assessed closer to the time.

The Tall Blacks play in the Philippines on November 21, and at home in Christchurch against Chinese Taipei on Monday November 25.

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

“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,” Tall Blacks head coach Judd Flavell said. 

Isaac is one of the potential debutants that has Flavell buzzing.

The 21-year-old has progressed from the bench to big moment player with the Canterbury Rams, this year being named Sal’s NBL Rapid League MVP and earning a development contract with the BNZ Breakers.

“I am very honoured to be selected for the Tall Blacks, but also to hear it from Judd - I have been working with him for the past three years, it was a surreal moment for me and my family to be selected by Judd.

“Putting on the Tall Blacks jersey is a massive honour.  To represent the history, those who have gone in the past and to think I am now part of that in the present - I am just so honoured to represent my country and the culture of the team and nation.”

Tall Blacks - FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

Taylor Britt (Guard, Canterbury Rams)
Corey Webster (Guard, Auckland Tuatara)
Kaia Isaac (Guard, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams)
Flyn Cameron (Guard, Melbourne United/Taranaki Airs)
Izayah Mauriohooho Le’afa (Guard, Sydney Kings/Wellington Saints)
Walter Brown (Guard/Forward, Tasmania JackJumpers/Canterbury Rams)
Hyrum Harris (Forward, Perth Wildcats/Wellington Saints)
Tom Vodanovich (Forward, Southeast Melbourne Phoenix/Auckland Tuatara)
Oscar Goodman (Forward, NBA Global Academy/New Plymouth Boys)
Max Darling (Forward, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams)
Sam Mennenga (Forward/Centre, BNZ Breakers)
Sam Waardenburg (Centre/Forward, Cairns Taipans)
Tyrell Harrison (Centre, Brisbane Bullets)