New Zealand's Pledger: ''Nothing beats being able to represent your country''

AUCKLAND (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - New Zealand have a lot of big names, but one guy who has been working hard sans much hype is center Alex Pledger.

The 31-year-old veteran has been one of New Zealand's most efficient players so far in the Asian Qualifiers, averaging 11 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 block per game as the Tall Blacks have won 3 of their 4 games through two windows. Though he may no longer be as spry as he once was, Pledger knows that wearing their black kit and playing for the flag are things to be cherished.

"Playing for New Zealand means a lot to me!" he said. "I made the national team when I was still in college and wasn’t playing professionally yet! I remember my name being called at the end of training camp for the first time like it was yesterday. It was a very proud moment and one I will always remember. Even 10 years later the thrill of pulling on the black singlet hasn’t gone away."

Pledger has come a long way since first playing for the Tall Blacks ten years ago at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2008, having first learned to play the sport at 16 years old and being inspired by the iconic 2002 team that made it to the medal rounds of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 16 years ago.

"I was a pretty late bloomer with basketball!" he exclaimed. "I started playing basketball around the same time the Tall Blacks finished 4th at the 2002 World Cup, and basketball saw a massive spike in popularity because of that. I looked up to quite a few of the guys from that 2002 team like Pero Cameron, Dillon Boucher, Kirk Penney and Phill Jones. I feel very privileged that I got to play alongside some of those guys with the Tall Blacks before they hung the boots up."

Now it's Pledger who's the veteran voice in the locker room and on the hardwood for New Zealand. With an average age of just 25 years old, the Tall Blacks have a pretty youthful squad, and they all count on Pledger along with another seasoned veteran, Jarrod Kenny, for their leadership and guidance. The 7ft 1in (2.16m) Pledger is all but happy to oblige, and he feels that this unit have a bright future ahead of them, especially in terms of qualifying for next year's World Cup .

"I think we have a excellent chance of qualifying," he said. "We have won three qualifying games including two huge wins over China and Korea in the most recent qualifying window, and we believe we are one of the best, if not the best, teams in the Asia zone. In true Tall Blacks fashion, we will always back ourselves regardless of who is on the other side of the court."

New Zealand next play two home games in the third window. They host winless Hong Kong on 28 June before ending their first round campaign against China on 1 July. It's something Pledger is looking forward to, especially because having their home fans see the national team live is not the most common thing.

"Playing at home is awesome!" he shared. "Before the recent changes to the World Cup qualifying format, I had only played one game for the Tall Blacks in New Zealand. 1 game in almost 10 years!! Nothing beats being able to represent your country at home in front of our own countrymen/fans. Getting to play more games at home is a definite plus."

FIBA