Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder has copped some criticism from an NBA analyst. Photo / Getty
Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare is hopeful that Steven Adams will soon pull on the Tall Blacks singlet, but he is unlikely to be available for their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
The Tall Blacks have been drawn alongside China, South Korea and Hong Kong in their qualifying
pool for the 2019 Basketball World Cup, as they embark upon their first qualifying campaign in the Asian confederation.
They play each of the three teams home and away, but they likely will have to do without the services of Adams. The first four games will be played in November and February, and clash directly with the NBA season. The final two qualifiers are held shortly after the conclusion of the NBA season in late June and early July, meaning Adams could be called upon if circumstances allow.
Henare says that although it is unlikely Adams will be seen for World Cup qualification games, he will be checking his availability for the Tall Blacks' debut appearance at the Asia Cup in August.
"I'll be reaching out to everyone involved in the Tall Blacks programme and requesting everyone be available for that. There are a number of opportunities between now and Tokyo [for Adams] to be a part of it," Henare told Radio Sport.
