NBL Stars Lead New Zealand Tall Blacks Squad for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Against Australia

The New Zealand Tall Blacks have announced a formidable lineup dominated by National Basketball League (NBL) talent for their upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers against the Australian Boomers later this month.

Led by Melbourne United’s Finn Delany, who will captain the side, the Tall Blacks’ 12-man squad includes 11 players currently competing in the NBL, highlighting the league’s growing influence on international basketball.

A Strong NBL Presence in the Tall Blacks Squad

Delany, enjoying a standout season with United — averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and a career-best 2.8 assists per game — will spearhead New Zealand’s campaign. He will be joined by an impressive roster of players spread across several NBL teams.

The NBL contingent includes:

• Taylor Britt, Max Darling, Carlin Davidson, Sam Mennenga, and Izayah Le’afa (New Zealand Breakers)
• Tyrell Harrison and Tohi Smith-Milner (Brisbane Bullets)
• Flynn Cameron (Adelaide 36ers)
• Shea Ili (Melbourne United)
• Mojave King (Cairns Taipans)

Completing the lineup is Yanni Wetzell, who currently plays for the Akita Northern Happinets in Japan.

Coach Judd Flavell Confident in His Team’s Depth and Chemistry

Head coach Judd Flavell expressed enthusiasm about the squad’s balance, depth, and energy ahead of the two-game series.

“I’m really excited about the squad,” Flavell said.
“There’s a mix of talent and experience here, and it’s going to be fun assembling them in such a short window. We have great depth, and we’ll be asking players to make every possession count. It’s certainly going to be a fun squad to throw at the Aussies.”

Boomers Also Bring Strong NBL Representation

Australia’s Boomers will counter with an equally competitive squad, featuring 10 active NBL players of their own, setting the stage for an intense Trans-Tasman battle.

Their lineup includes:

• Jordan Hunter, Angus Glover, and Owen Foxwell (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
• Will Magnay and Josh Bannan (Tasmania JackJumpers)
• Jaylin Galloway (Sydney Kings)
• Dash Daniels (Melbourne United)
• Alex Ducas (Brisbane Bullets)
• Will Hickey (Illawarra Hawks)
• Elijah Pepper (Perth Wildcats)

Adding to the Boomers’ experience will be Nick Kay and Jack White, both NBL champions now playing overseas — Kay with Shimane Susanoo Magic (Japan) and White with Mersin MSK (Turkey).

Fixture Details

The two qualifiers will take place on:

• Friday, November 28 – MyState Bank Arena, Hobart
• Monday, December 1 – TSB Arena, Wellington

Both teams are expected to bring high energy and strong defensive play, with the series likely to serve as a key benchmark ahead of future international competitions.

Full New Zealand Tall Blacks Squad:

• Carlin Davison
• Finn Delany (Captain)
• Flynn Cameron
• Izayah Le’afa
• Max Darling
• Mojave King
• Sam Mennenga
• Shea Ili
• Taylor Britt
• Tohi Smith-Milner
• Tyrell Harrison
• Yanni Wetzell

With so many NBL stars on both sides, fans can expect two fast-paced, physical games as New Zealand looks to assert itself against its long-time Trans-Tasman rival.