Tall Blacks hedge their hopes as star guard Corey Webster tries to recover in time
MANILA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Corey Webster strained his calf in New Zealand’s 84-55 loss to Latvia earlier this week, and the Kiwis are hoping he will be able to recover quickly. Webster is expected to be the Tall Blacks’ primary offensive weapon in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, and, for sure, having him at less than 100% will deal a big blow to their chances.
Corey Webster can still be hampered by a calf injury when they play @gilasarmy this Wednesday. #FIBAOQT
— Enzo Flojo (@hoopnut) July 3, 2016
Coach Paul Henare is hedging his bets as his most prolific wing player tries to get back into the groove in time for their opening match against hosts Philippines on Wednesday, July 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Corey is looking really well, probably faster than we thought of,” said Henare.
Webster has been one of New Zealand’s most reliable players in recent years. He led the team with 19 points per game in the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship and also impressed in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, dropping 13.7 points per contest.
Despite his current injury, the 27-year-old remains upbeat about the OQT, and is still going to be among the marked men for the Tall Blacks, who are hoping to break into the Olympic Games for the first time since 2004.
22 thousand seat stadium, sold out for our first game against the Philippines. It's about to be LIT!! pic.twitter.com/RJAKFsP9ku
— Corey Webster (@cwebster9) July 3, 2016
Along with Webster, New Zealand will lean on the likes Isaac Fotu, Mika Vukona and Tom Abercrombie to carry much of the load. After their match against the Philippines, the Tall Blacks take on France on July 7.
FIBA
