Tall Blacks ecstatic after win over hosts but big games are ahead
BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - New Zealand basketball is celebrating one of its biggest wins in recent times. The young Tall Blacks made big play after big play to claim an 86-82 victory over Lebanon.
BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - New Zealand basketball is celebrating one of its biggest wins in recent times.
On Thursday night, in front of a packed Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex, a young Tall Blacks team made big play after big play and claimed an 86-82 victory over FIBA Asia Cup hosts Lebanon.
Making the decision to leave a handful of more experienced Kiwis behind this summer in order to blood a new generation, national team boss Paul Henare, assistant coach Pero Cameron and Basketball New Zealand watched as the young Kiwis claimed a famous triumph.
The Tall Blacks were so good that after the final buzzer, the Lebanese fans stood and applauded them, a tremendous show of sportsmanship from a partisan crowd that was disappointed yet appreciative of a wonderful effort.
Great game in Beirut!! Great Crowd!!
— Pero Cameron (@perocameron) August 10, 2017
Tu tera mai na iwi AUE! In the sheds
Wow nothing can explain how awesome that win was in that sort of atmosphere. Now we move on to the next task in hand 🇳🇿🤙🏼
— Jordan Ngatai (@Ngatai11) August 10, 2017
The Tall Blacks not playing this summer so the youngsters could jump into the fire of international competition were quick to offer praise for their countrymen.
Great win @TallBlacks, what a game!!
— Thomas Abercrombie (@tomabo10) August 10, 2017
Huge win, not Youngblood's anymore. Great poise! #tallblacks
— Mika Vukona (@M1kaV) August 10, 2017
Henare did not put a foot wrong. His strategy was excellent, as well as his and his coaching staff's adjustments during the game. Not many teams could have survived an attack from the Lebanese Tiger. That is the nickname for Fadi El Khatib, the 38-year-old basketball icon who had 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.
Obviously the result in an environment like that is huge - Henare
Henare's demeanor was correct. The players had numerous opportunities to lose their composure but every time they looked to the bench, the coach was a picture of calm.
"I am extremely proud," Henare said. "Obviously the result in an environment like that is huge, but the growth of this group in such a short time is amazing. To be able to absorb that pressure and atmosphere, to compete well and be calm under that sort of pressure is amazing."
The victory was huge and significant, yet it was just a single win. Tougher games are coming up, including one on Saturday against a Korea team that has plenty of ambition.
"Part of the message in the locker room was to celebrate this and enjoy the moment, but in less than 48 hours we play a very good Korean team," Henare said.
"They shoot the ball well, they spread the floor, they are a different team, not as imposing as Lebanon but a very good team and a real challenge, one I am looking forward to seeing how this group reacts."
FIBA