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| Almost a year after his last PBA game, Tom Vodanovich returns to the Philippines as a Tall Black. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
MANILA--Former Converge import Tom Vodanovich is part of New Zealand's pool for the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The six-foot-seven bruising forward, now part of the Australian NBL's South East Melbourne Phoenix, is one of 13 players called up by new head coach Judd Flavell to join the "Tall Blacks" for a two-game set against Gilas Pilipinas and Chinese Taipei.
Playing for six games with the FiberXers in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, Vodanovich is expected to make the Final 12 against Gilas with his familiarity with the Philippine brand of basketball.
Once made formal, it will be Vodanovich's first game back in the Philippines since Converge let him go on Dec. 5, 2023.
After it clashes with Gilas on Thursday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, New Zealand will play Chinese Taipei in Christchurch on Monday night.
Corey Webster, another Kiwi player familiar to Gilas fans, has been named the captain of the New Zealand pool.
Completing the callups are Taylor Britt, Kaia Isaac, Flynn Cameron, Izayah Le’afa, Walter Brown, Hyrum Harris, Oscar Goodman, Max Darling, Sam Waardenburg, Sam Mennenga, and Tyrell Harrison.
“Selecting this first group for the upcoming Asia Cup qualifiers is another exciting step for me on a personal level, and one I don’t take for granted as someone who has been in their shoes waiting for that phone call,” said Flavell.
The Tall Blacks conducted their Tuesday practice at the Activate Arena in Mandaluyong as shared in their social media accounts.
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