CAIRNS (Australia) - Mitchell Dance will be playing his first game ever for the New Zealand in a senior men's competition at the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. His debut will be in quite a spectacular matchup as well, as the Tall Blacks are pitted against neighboring rivals Australia Boomers.

The game is scheduled on the exact anniversary of the clash from last year in which New Zealand upset Australia. It was their first win over the Boomers in over a decade and while Dance was not yet on the squad at the time, he was just as pumped about the result.

"What an epic moment for sure to watch the boys take it to them with such mana," Dance said. "It was a very tough and competitive match and it was good to see the boys come out on top at the end that's for sure!

Australia are the defending Asia Cup champions. New Zealand are also Semi-Finalists from Asia Cup 2017 in Lebanon. They are two of the toughest squads to play against in the entire Asia Cup Qualifiers field of teams. Factor in the element of being next door neighbors and you can always expect the sparks to fly when they face each other.

"It is always a battle when both teams come together, with the hunger and desire to win. There's no love lost that's for sure."

Though this might be the first time Dance is playing at the senior men's level, it won't be his first encounter with Australia on the hardwood.

"I’d say the most memorable moment for me playing against Australia would have to have been at the U16 Asian Championship Cup 2017 in Foshan, where we met in the Semi-Finals and I was able to perform the Haka in front of them."

Dance and New Zealand lost that game 86-61 to the Crocs, but there were other moments throughout that competition that left him with lasting memories.

"Foshan gave me an opportunity to match myself against some upcoming international talent and the professionalism around basketball. You get pushed mentally and physically in every aspect," he explained.

During that run in the U17 Asian Championship, Dance ranked among the top 10 scorers and rebounders of the competition with averages of 15.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

"Playing against Iran in the Quarter-Finals to see who would book a ticket to Argentina for the U17 World Cup [was a memorable moment]. It was a very tough, competitive, and close game from what I remember. With the boys composure, we were lucky enough to come out on top and then later on experience that opportunity at the U17 World Cup in Argentina against some of the best talent in the world."

"I would also have to say matching up against my good friend Kai Sotto [was a memorable moment]. Over many years coming up against each other whether it was in national game matches or at Nike or NBA camps, we were able to build a great relationship and always test ourselves against each other."

During that run in the U17 Asian Championship, Dance ranked among the top 10 scorers and rebounders of the competition with averages of 15.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

"Experiencing another culture and making some lifelong friends from around the world was also memorable. Competing at the Asia Cup again for my country is definitely on the books for my career and future."

Mitchell's father, Shane, was also a baller and played in the New Zealand National Basketball League. Shane Dance was also a member of the Junior Tall Blacks where he was teammates with the legendary FIBA Hall of Famer Pero Cameron.

Now, Mitchell will be playing for the Pero Cameron who has been coaching the Tall Blacks since last year.

"I'm here to soak up all the knowledge I can gain from Coach Pero Cameron and take advantage of every opportunity I get. I am enjoying every moment of it and look forward to the future with this squad as it is only the beginning!"

With experience playing for the Junior Tall Blacks both at the Asian Championship level and the Worlc Cup level, eventually stepping to play for the Tall Blacks was somewhat expected. Nonetheless, that doesn't take away the feeling of pride that comes with "bleeding the black" at the higher level.

"It is definitely an honor. Any time you get the privilege to put on the black singlet, that feeling is special. Especially with this certain team, the circumstances at the moment that the world is going through and for us to come together so quickly and gel, it is definitely going to be an exciting game!"

New Zealand are currently 2-0 in the Qualifiers. A win over Australia here will give them quite a lead in the standings and greatly improve their chances of securing direct qualification to the Asia Cup later this year.

"I'm taking it one game at a time and will contribute 100 percent to get us over the line," he proclaimed. "Knowing that I can be amongst the group to help get the Kiwis to Asia Cup 2021 later this year would be a memory I won't forget."

"It definitely has been a dream of mine since a young kid to put on the black singlet, to play at the highest level for my country on the national stage and to also lead the Haka."

FIBA