Leger-Walker highlights young New Zealand squad

WELLINGTON (FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship) – New Zealand has revealed the players set to challenge for the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship crown this July in Guam. 

This event is the first step to qualifying for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Championship 2018, where the ultimate goal of qualification to the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2019 will be theirs for the taking.

The roster includes one of New Zealand's most exciting youth women's prospects, Charlisse Leger-Walker. Having played for New Zealand in the 2015 FIBA Oceania U16 Championship for Women and FIBA U18 Women's Oceania Championship 2016, Leger-Walker was also the youngest member of the 15 player squad vying for Tall Ferns selection ahead of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017. Her experience and leadership will ensure that she is one to watch in Guam.

1 Charlisse Leger-walker (NZL) - Australia v New Zealand, 2016 FIBA U18 Oceania Championship for Women (FIJ)

Head Coach Jody Cameron says this is a relatively young team that has stepped up after the majority of the Junior Tall Ferns have moved on to US College scholarships or past the age of eligibility.

“The current pool of players has worked hard to get to the next level. We are really happy with the commitment from them and their families, and every player we’ve named thoroughly deserves their spot in this team,” said Cameron.

Coach Cameron’s thoughts are firmly fixed on the first round in Guam next month.

“Going into the Oceania Champs is always a welcoming challenge involving ourselves, the surrounding Pacific islands and current Oceania champs, Australia. The talent within the Oceania region is growing too, especially with the injection of support from FIBA implementing programs and international events held in the Pacific. It's great to see forward thinking for the game we love to foster it globally, particularly into the far reaches of our backyard.”

Favourites Australia are in Pool A with Tahiti, Samoa and the Marshall Islands. New Zealand sits in Pool B.

“We're up against some very strong opposition there with our pool drawing New Caledonia, home favorites Guam, and Palau. So we will get to test ourselves against the very best in the inclusive regions.”

With two FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Championship 2018 spots up for grabs, Coach Cameron is excited for what’s to come.

“It’s very exciting for these young players to represent New Zealand on such a massive stage, and potentially be playing in front of scouts from big US colleges and leagues. This truly is where dreams can come true for these kids.”

But come July, New Zealand will have to get through the rest of the pack just as eager to lock down that Asia qualification spot.

FIBA