APIA (Samoa) - New Zealand enters the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup with a mission: close the gap on Australia and cement itself as the region’s rising power. With an influx of emerging talent and a coaching staff unafraid to push the pace, the Junior Tall Blacks are ready to disrupt the familiar hierarchy.
The Junior Tall Blacks are working tirelessly to secure a spot within the top two teams to qualify for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in 2026. Following their success at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup earlier this year, and also at the FIBA U19 World Cup with their first ever semi final appearance, the New Zealand boys are eager for victory in Samoa.
New Zealand Junior Tall Blacks Head Coach, Josiah Maama, said the boys are ready for the challenge.
“Every team presents a challenge and style that we are looking forward to taking on,” he said. “Samoa and Australia are always tough opponents in Oceania and set the standard not just in our region but on the world stage too.
Maama’s coaching experience under the previous Junior Tall Blacks coach, Matt Lacey, has given him elite-level knowledge that has elevated the skills and dedication of the players.
“What it’s taught us about performance in FIBA competition is that there should be no compromise for standards and the values you stand on,” he said. “There is no replacement for consistency. The most connected groups from top to bottom become the most successful ones.”
The Junior Tall Blacks are players dedicated to the game they love, each with their own specific skill set that comes together to create a strong team.
“Leading our group are Aubrey Chunga, Cole Hopoi, Cooper Adams, and Ezekiel Otunuku, who are wings with size and skill that can impact the game on both ends,” Maama said.
“Our set of lead guards adds a good contrast of different styles. Milan Newton is a dog who gets after it, Arana Robertson pushes the pace, and Cooper Lepou and Harry Kelso can change games with their shooting. Rounding out our front court, who make up for size with their talent, ability to attack and defend in multiple ways, Hoani Togia-Ifopo, Hunter Johns, Josh Kelly and Phil Wickham.”
This team of talented young men are not here to participate; they’re here to win. What happens next in Samoa will shape not only this group’s future, but the next chapter of Junior Tall Blacks basketball.
The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup and FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup is being hosted by the Samoa National Basketball Association in Apia from December 8 to 13. The event is supported by the Government of Samoa under the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, with the two teams qualifying for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
All games are livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel in collaboration with BluWave Media.