NZ had a 4th-place finish at the 2002 FIBA World Championship held in Indianapolis, USA. We've always sent competitive teams overseas. This year we're in Group C together with the USA and Turkey for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Since 1992, countries have started sending their players to play in the NBA and bring back that experience when they play for their respective countries. Other countries have began naturalising potential players who can boost their national teams. Historically, we've only had 3 players in the NBA:
Sean Marks (6-10) started his 12-year NBA experience (1998-2010) with the New York Knicks, then moved on to the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Seattle Supersonics, New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats, and competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games as well as in our 4th-place finish at the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
Kirk Penney (6-5) had a first taste of NBA experience with the Miami Heat in 2003, then he played mostly in the European league with some stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Ashville Altitude, NZ Breakers, and Sioux Falls Skyforce. At present he plays in the highly competitive Turkish league.
Steven Adams (7-0) was the 12th overall NBA draft pick and was picked up by the Oklahoma City Thunder. This NBA Rising Star is closely watched by players, coaches, fans and the media. So far, he has had a very credible performance.
Our best bet to have a good track record in the coming FIBA Basketball World Cup is to bring Steven Adams home to play for the Tall Blacks. Or should we also do whats done by other countries, naturalise potential players? I'll leave the crystal-ball gazing to you!
No comments:
Post a Comment