SHENZHEN (China) - Basketball runs in Bailey Flavell’s blood. As the daughter of Judd Flavell, a legendary member of New Zealand’s Tall Blacks who helped lead the team to a historic FIBA Basketball World Cup 2022 semi-final, Bailey’s journey to the senior Tall Ferns squad feels like a natural progression.
Now, at just 18 years old and the second-youngest player on New Zealand’s roster, she’s stepping onto the court for her first official senior-level FIBA Asia tournament—the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025.
Bailey’s rise has been marked by steady progression through New Zealand’s youth ranks, having played in the U15 to U17 levels from 2022 to 2024. She also gained valuable senior experience recently at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Mexico, where she averaged 5.5 points per game.
The Women's Asia Cup stage, however, represents a new challenge and opportunity to prove herself among the continent’s best.
Reflecting on her debut, Flavell said, "I’m really grateful to be here. We’ve got a great team and great girls on and off the court, so really looking forward to working with them."
"Obviously, we have some really great leaders, experienced players right here," she added. "Esra McGoldrick, of course, one of them. You have Tamila right here as well."
Bailey credits these veterans for helping her grow.
"I think just their knowledge, both on and off the court and just them helping me out in trainings and in games," she said. "All of their advice, I really acknowledge it and take it on board, and it really helps me out."
Bailey’s basketball foundation was laid early.
"All of my family played," she shared. "He [my dad] had finished his playing career when I was born and just started his coaching career. He has helped with lots of coaching and advice since I began playing."
Growing up with Judd Flavell—now head coach of the Tall Blacks and a respected figure in New Zealand basketball—gave Bailey a slight head start, but she’s carving her own path with dedication and energy.
On the court, Bailey focuses on bringing her best on both ends of the floor.
"Definitely just want to bring my best efforts, offense and defense," she said. "I guess defensively, what I want is just as much as I can to disrupt the ball and just keeping good energy on and off the court."
As the Tall Ferns compete against Asia’s elite, Bailey Flavell’s blend of family legacy, youthful promise and hard work makes her a player to watch.
Her journey is just beginning, but with the support of her teammates and the weight of a proud basketball heritage behind her, the future looks bright for one of New Zealand’s rising stars.
FIBA