New Zealand is focused on carving out its first win in Group A of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers against Gilas Pilipinas.
New Zealand is bringing in half of its lineup from 2025 FIBA Asia Cup into the second window of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Jordan Ngatai and Taylor Britt lead the Tall Blacks' campaign in Manila, just six months after frustrating Gilas Pilipinas, 94-86, in the FIBA Asia Cup.
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Ngatai and Britt proved to be the thorns in the side of the Nationals last year, with Ngatai torching Gilas for 22 points while Britt spearheaded the attack late to douse the Filipinos' last-ditch rally.
Joining Ngatai and Britt from the Asia Cup team are Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Taine Murray, and Tohi Milner-Smith.
Also returning to the New Zealand national team are Reuben Te Rangi, Tyrell Harrison, Yanni Wetzell, and Alex McNaught.
Meanwhile, a marked man is Sam Mennenga, who averaged 17.5 points, eight rebounds, and an assist in two games against Australia in the first window of the qualifiers.
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Keanu Rasmussen will also make his debut for the Tall Blacks, who are 0-2 in Group A.
The Tall Blacks take on Gilas Pilipinas on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.