Squads named for trans-Tasman basketball tournament
The Boomers and the Opals will take on their counterparts from New Zealand in the first game of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre tonight.
Basketball New Zealand confirmed their line-ups for the trans-Tasman tournament, as the Boomers touched down in Adelaide ahead of the inaugural series.
The Tall Blacks will consist of all previous representatives: Jackson Ball, Taylor Britt, Walter Brown, Flynn Cameron, Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Oscar Goodman, Julius Halaifonua, Shea Ili, Kaia Isaac, Tamatoa Issac, Tohiraukura Smith-Milner, Reuben Te Rangi and Corey Webster.
Mckenna Dale, Bailey Flavell, Pahlyss Hokianga, Esra McGoldrick, Sharne Robati, Ashlee Strawbridge and Ella Tofaeono will return for the 2degrees Tall Ferns.
While, Ella Bradley, Ella Brow, Tegan Graham, Keriana Hippolite, Tylah Hooper, Waiata Jennings, Emme Shearer and Kaylee Smiler will make their debuts.
Team Australia released their lists last month, subject to player fitness.
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Todd Blanchfield, Kyle Bowen, Xavier Cooks, Owen Foxwell, Jacob Furphy, Angus Glover, Keli Leaupepe, Mitchell Norton, Elijah Pepper, Austin Rapp, Dejan Vasiljevic and Harry Wessels will take to the court for the Boomers.
The Opals have named Sara Blicavs, Isobel Borlase, Abbey Ellis, Alexandra Fowler, Keely Froling, Miela Sowah, Nyadiew Puoch, Stephanie Reid, Maddison Rocci, Lauren Scherf, Alexandra Sharp and Courtney Woods in their 12-person squad.
Last week, Basketball Australia announced the tournament would be the first integration of a new coaching structure for the Australians.
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UC Canberra Capitals coach, Paul Goriss and Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman will take the reins in the absence of Sandy Brondello and Adam Caporn.
“It’s exciting to be stepping into the lead role and appreciate the trust and confidence Sandy has in me to lead the Opals, while she is head coaching in the WNBA,” said Goriss.
“The Trans-Tasman series will a pivotal role in our preparation for Asia Cup in July in China. To build chemistry with a new look team, a new style and to get games is crucial to have these experiences, so we can evaluate the players, how we play and what we want to be good at and emphasise at both ends of the court.”
Shannon Seebohm, Kristi Harrower, Jacob Chance and Gerard Martin have also signed on in supporting roles.
Paul Goriss at the Opals recent camp in Melbourne. Image: Basketball Australia
The tournament was announced in February and will be a three-match series hosted throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Basketball Australia chief executive officer Matt Scriven said the competition is a new era of rivalry.
“We want the inaugural series to set the foundation for a tradition that fans, players and teams will embrace,” he said.
The second match will be held on the Sunshine Coast on May 9, followed by the third match in Hamilton, New Zealand on May 11.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
