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| Tyrell Harrison (right) is one of only two Tall Blacks returning to the MOA Arena after two years. FIBA (file photo) |
MANDALUYONG--Two players from the last New Zealand squad that visited the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay are set for another road game at the said venue as they headline the 12-man Tall Blacks roster for the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Taylor Britt and Tyrell Harrison are called up again for New Zealand's dozen that will play Gilas Pilipinas again at the MOA Arena on Thursday night, as well as Guam on Sunday night.
Britt and Harrison played significant minutes for the Tall Blacks on Nov. 21, 2024 during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, as they helped keep the game against Gilas close, only to fall, 89-93, marking the first time a Kiwi squad lost to a Philippine team in any FIBA-sanctioned game.
While the rest of the Tall Blacks will only be playing at the MOA Arena for the first time, at least after a long while, one name would ring a bell for Gilas star Dwight Ramos.
Jordan Ngatai, Ramos' teammate at Levanga Hokkaido, also got a call-up for New Zealand, probably tasked to give head coach Judd Flavell an idea about Ramos' tendencies.
Completing the 12 for the Tall Blacks are Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Alex McNaught, Sam Mennenga, Taine Murray, Keanu Rasmussen, Tohi Milner-Smith, Reuben Te Rangi, and Yanni Wetzell.
