CAIRNS (Australia) - It’s been exactly one year since the last time the Boomers played against the Tall Blacks in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. The result of that game was a historic one as New Zealand pulled off an upset - the Tall Blacks first over their neighboring rivals in over a decade.

They are now set to face each other once again on the anniversary of that game, pitting some fresh faces of the future for both national team programs against one another.

The Veterans:

Mika Vukona (NZL) vs Matthew Kenyon (AUS)

At 38, Vukona will stand out as the most experienced player on the court for both teams. He is the only player that played in the game the last time these two teams faced a year ago. With most of the players in their late teens or early 20s, Vukona can give an edge for New Zealand with his veteran leadership and overall seasoned perspective of the game.

Australia, however, has only one player that is older than 20 and that is Matthew Kenyon. Though he is only 23 years old, Kenyon adds experience playing for the youth national teams for Australia as well as a recent stint playing in the NBA G-League last year. Kenyon’s ability to lead a young  squad with an average age of 18 will be crucial to this game for the Boomers.

Premier Prospects

PICK ONE

Both teams have filled their rosters with prospects of high potential, giving Asia Cup fans a quick glimpse into the future.

For the Tall Blacks, they are listing five teenagers in the roster for this game. Taine Murray (18 years old) returns after being called up for New Zealand in the window last February and even logged some minutes against Hong Kong. 19-year-old Mitchell Dance starred for New Zealand at the U16 Asian Championship back in 2017 and will be making his Tall Blacks debut in this game.

As mentioned, Australia’s average age across the roster is at a cool 18 years old. The squad features nine players in their teens. However, do not make the mistake in thinking that these are just “kids”. Former Basketball Without Borders 2019 Global Camper Taran Armstrong is listed along with Hunter Clarke, both of whom recently played at the collegiate level in the US. Six players, including Dyson Daniels, are members of Basketball Australia Center of Excellence. Meanwhile, Tyrese Proctor is on scholarship at the NBA Global Academy Australia.

All of these youngsters are ready to show their potential and keep the fans excited for the future of both national team programs.

In conclusion

Even though it’s a rematch from exactly one year ago, it seems like a whole new ball game between Australia and New Zealand considering only one player is returning on both squads. Nonetheless, everyone knows that the stakes will always be high when these two teams clash. The action is expected to be electrifying as these young guns will be out to prove that they are worth being excited about down the road despite their current age.

Can the Tall Blacks extend the duration of their bragging rights or will the Boomers make it even here at the Asia Cup Qualifiers?

FIBA