Leger-Walker out to make Tall Fern history and extend family tradition
SOUTH AUCKLAND (FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017) – There’s a buzz around the New Zealand camp as preparations starts for next month’s FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and not least because of a potential slice of history.
SOUTH AUCKLAND (FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017) – There’s a buzz around the New Zealand camp as preparations starts for next month’s FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and not least because of a potential exciting slice of history on the horizon.
Of the 15 players heading into camp, the majority are based outside of New Zealand in overseas leagues or the NCAA. That is all but Charlisse Leger-Walker who can’t leave her homeland just yet as she’s a mere 15-years-old and still in secondary school.
The young star has basketball in her blood, since she is the daughter of Tall Fern legend Leanne Walker and sibling to another senior player in Krystal, who is at the University of Northern Colorado.
Already well-known to the local basketball community having won the Junior Female Basketball Player for 2016 at the recent Basketball New Zealand Awards, she is now vying for the title of youngest-ever Tall Fern.
Congratulations to St Peter's student Charlisse Leger-Walker who won Female Junior Basketball Player Of The Year! 🏀https://t.co/DawJ9EPKQq pic.twitter.com/ULqqV15z8y
— Independent Schools (@ISNZEducation) May 25, 2017
"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the program at such a young age," stated Leger-Walker.
"My sister had her first trial when she was 16, so I think it's really cool to be following in her footsteps!
"My mum also captained the Tall Ferns and went to two Olympics, so I have gained a little bit of knowledge and insight from both of them, which makes going into the camp a little less daunting."
The talented youngster says her goals for camp are to learn what she can from some of the team’s more experienced players who have played US college ball, and have gone on to professional leagues and multiple Tall Ferns campaigns.
"I know that these girls are really top level basketballers, and most play overseas, so I think just playing alongside them would help me further my own skills.
"However, I do know that this is a trial and I will be playing as hard as I can to give myself the best opportunity to be a part of the team and the program.
"My main focus is to learn as much as I can from all the coaching staff and also from the players themselves.
"One player that I look up to is Kalani Purcell. I'm aware of how well she is doing overseas and the level of basketball she is playing.
C'mon Kalani Purcell! In with a chance to make the WNBA. @nzheraldsport article here: https://t.co/YDuiL2CXX4
— Tall Ferns (@TallFerns) April 18, 2017
"She may not remember, but I did train with her once when she played for Waikato women's in WBC. Also Jillian Harmon, I remember watching and playing against her in the WBC when she played for Otago when I was 12.
"I look up to my sister too, she works hard and encourages me. We have had some good basketball battles in the past and I enjoy training with her when she is home. Mum even gets our little sister Tannika to have a run and work out with us."
Her mum I also the school’s head basketball coach and offered some reasonably straight talking ahead of the Tall Ferns camp.
Mum Leanne played in two Olympics Games against the best players in the world
"My advice to Charlisse is to go out there and learn as much as she can from the coaching staff and experienced players. To enjoy it, because that's why we play the game, and to make the most of the opportunity.
"I would tell her to play without fear, accept that mistakes will probably be made, but adjust and move on."
"Both of my daughters entering the Tall Ferns’ culture at such a young age makes me very proud, it's great knowing that all of the work they put in, the support afforded to them by their family, coaches and friends, has realized for them many opportunities, both within the sport and outside of the sport too.
"Basketball is enabling them to study, travel make some lifelong connections and some awesome memories with like-minded people.
"It's great that they have each other too, because they can share each other's ups and downs - their younger sister also keeps them grounded! Hopefully their experiences help them to become strong, independent, humble and grateful young women."
FIBA