New Zealand Basketball Team: “Tall Blacks” and “Tall Ferns”
Basketball in New Zealand is a sport with a passionate fan base and a growing profile on the international stage. From the men’s national team, the Tall Blacks, to the women’s national team, the Tall Ferns, the sport has a rich history and a bright future.
The Tall Blacks: A Storied History
The New Zealand men’s national basketball team, affectionately known as the Tall Blacks, holds a significant place in the world of international basketball. Governed by Basketball New Zealand, the team has a history filled with memorable moments and notable achievements.
The Tall Blacks’ journey began on September 1, 1962, with their first international game played against Singapore. Their regional rivalry with Australia has defined much of their history. A significant moment came in 1978, when the Tall Blacks recorded a landmark 67-65 win over Australia, though they ultimately lost the series 1-2. The team’s major breakthrough came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where they began to consistently challenge for top spots in international competitions.
One of the most remarkable moments in the team’s history was their fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIBA World Championship. Under the guidance of coach Tab Baldwin, and with standout players like Pero Cameron, Phill Jones, and Kirk Penney, the Tall Blacks stunned the basketball world, defeating top teams and making a deep run in the tournament. This achievement solidified their place as a respected competitor on the global stage.
Key Achievements
The Tall Blacks have a number of key accomplishments to their name, demonstrating their growth and success over the decades:
- FIBA Oceania Championship: The team has won the championship three times (1999, 2001, 2009).
- FIBA World Cup: As of 2025, they have made seven appearances at the FIBA World Cup: 1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2019, and 2023. Their best performance remains the fourth-place finish in 2002.
- Olympic Games: The Tall Blacks have participated in two Olympic Games: the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics.
- FIBA Asia Cup: After joining the FIBA Asia zone in 2017, the team has made multiple appearances in the FIBA Asia Cup, with their best result being a bronze medal in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.
Current Team and Notable Players
The Tall Blacks’ roster features a mix of veteran talent and emerging stars, many of whom play professionally in New Zealand, Australia, and overseas.
Here is a recent roster for the Tall Blacks, grouped by position:
- Guards: Taylor Britt, Flynn Cameron, Shea Ili, Mojave King, Taine Murray, Dontae Russo-Nance, Corey Webster.
- Forwards: Walter Brown, Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Ben Gold, Jordan Ngatai, Reuben Te Rangi.
- Forwards/Centers: Tohi Smith-Milner, Julius Halaifonua, Jackson Ball.
Head Coaches
The head coach is crucial to a team’s success. Here are some of the notable figures who have held the top coaching position for the Tall Blacks over the years:
- Tab Baldwin (2001–2006)
- Nenad Vučinić (2006–2013)
- Paul Henare (2015–2019)
- Pero Cameron (2019–2024)
- Judd Flavell (2024–present)
The Tall Ferns: The Women’s National Team
The New Zealand women’s national basketball team, known as the Tall Ferns, has a proud history of their own. They have competed on the international stage in various competitions, showcasing the growth of women’s basketball in the country.
Key Achievements
- Olympic Games: The Tall Ferns have participated in three Olympic Games: 2000 (Sydney), 2004 (Athens), and 2008 (Beijing).
- FIBA Women’s World Cup: They have made one confirmed appearance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in 1994, finishing 15th.
- FIBA Oceania Championship: The Tall Ferns have been a consistent force in their regional competition, winning a gold medal in 1993 and earning 14 silver medals between 1974 and 2015.
Current Roster and Notable Players
The Tall Ferns’ roster features a mix of veteran talent and new faces. The squad for recent international tournaments is led by Head Coach Natalie Hurst.
Here is a recent roster for the Tall Ferns, grouped by position:
- Guards: McKenna Dale, Tayla Dalton, Bailey Flavell, Pahlyss Hokianga, Emme Shearer, Olivia Williams.
- Forwards: Esra McGoldrick, Rebecca Pizzey, Ashlee Strawbridge, Charlotte Whittaker.
- Forwards/Centers: Ella Tofaeono, Ritorya Tamilo.
New Zealand’s Domestic Basketball Scene
The domestic basketball scene plays a vital role in developing talent for both the Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns.
The National Basketball League (NZNBL) The NZNBL is the premier men’s basketball league in New Zealand, founded in 1982. It has been a crucial proving ground for many of the nation’s top players. The league has a long history of competitive play, with powerhouse teams like the Wellington Saints and Canterbury Rams consistently vying for the championship. The presence of both homegrown talent and international imports has contributed to the league’s high level of competition. In the 2025 season, the Wellington Saints defeated the Southland Sharks to win the title.
Player Development Pathway
Basketball New Zealand has established a structured pathway for player development, beginning at the grassroots level and extending to the elite game.
- Kiwi Hoops: A national junior basketball program for 5 to 13-year-olds, focusing on fun and fundamental skills.
- National Age Group Championships: Competitions for talented young players from which athletes are identified for national talent programs and age-group teams.
- Professional Leagues: The NZNBL serves as a key stepping stone for aspiring professionals, with many players going on to play in the Australian NBL and other leagues around the world.
The Haka: A Unique Tradition
A unique and powerful tradition of both the Tall Blacks and the Tall Ferns is their pre-game performance of the haka. This traditional Māori war dance is performed with passion and intensity, serving not only as a challenge to their opponents but also as a way to honor their culture and connect with their heritage. The haka has become a powerful and recognizable part of their identity on the international stage.
