SHENZHEN (China) - The Tall Ferns made history in 2023 by breaking into the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup for the very first time, firmly announcing their arrival as a force to watch in the region. Now, expectations are higher than ever for New Zealand, who head to Shenzhen eager to build on their breakthrough performance.
That said, the road to another deep run is full of obstacles. With two stars missing and a largely retooled squad, the Tall Ferns are facing a new era under first-time Women's Asia Cup head coach Natalie Hurst. Can this new-look side rise to the occasion once more?
1. Navigating life without seasoned duo
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Charlisse Leger-Walker and Penina Davidson to New Zealand’s success in 2023. Davidson was named to the Women’s Asia Cup All-Star Five, while Leger-Walker was a dynamic two-way force who gave opponents fits. Unfortunately, both are unavailable for Shenzhen.
Their absence creates a major leadership and production vacuum. Without their most battle-tested stars, the Tall Ferns will need others to step into bigger roles quickly, especially in high-stakes games against Asia’s elite.
2. Leaning on emerging leaders
At 25 years old, Esra McGoldrick is suddenly one of the veterans of this Tall Ferns squad. Long known in the New Zealand hoops scene, she’s since carved out a solid presence in the Australian circuit, most recently with the Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL and now with Casey in the NBL1.
Her steady all-around production in the recent FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Mexico—nearly 8.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game—makes her a key figure in both ends of the court. With Leger-Walker and Davidson out, McGoldrick will be expected to anchor the team and lead by example, setting the tone for a younger group still learning the international ropes.
3. Adjusting under a new head coach
This will be Natalie Hurst’s first Women’s Asia Cup at the helm of the Tall Ferns. Sure, she brings valuable experience from her recent WNBL stint with the Adelaide Lightning and from being New Zealand's interim head coach for much of 2024. However, the Women's Asia Cup come with a different kind of pressure. Hurst inherits a squad in transition, with only three returning players from the 2023 roster—McGoldrick, Tayla Dalton and Ritorya Tamilo.
Tamilo, a standout from the University of Hawaii, is poised for a bigger role this year, while Charlotte Whittaker, fresh off her season in France, could be an X-factor. Hurst’s ability to build chemistry, maximize potential and navigate a tough draw will be tested right away.
The Tall Ferns may be missing key pieces, but they’re not short on hunger, talent, or belief. If the new leaders step up and the team can rally around its refreshed identity, New Zealand could prove once again that they belong in the upper tier of Asia’s best.
FIBA