Tall Blacks settle into China ahead of first tournament

The Tall Blacks have settled into their work in China as they step up preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon next month, with six games over the next eight days against quality international opposition set to fine tune this young team ahead of the Beirut tournament.

Despite an average age of just 23, China is already a familiar place for many of the players thanks to previous Tall Black or New Zealand Select tours, and as is always the case, the New Zealanders are a popular addition to the tournament, with the basketball mad country welcoming the team with open arms.

Head Coach Paul Henare says the team has adjusted quickly to the different time zone and conditions, thanks largely to a great few days in camp at Bruce Pulman Park and a smooth trip to Shanghai.

"I have travelled a lot as a player and as a coach, and I have to say that is one of the best flights and trips I have ever been on. Air New Zealand went out of their way to look after the boys, from the welcome at check in, to the team in the lounge and then the plane. I think every player had room to stretch out and as a result got some quality sleep and arrived fresh and ready to go.

"The great thing is our future is very much about flying in and around Asia and Air New Zealand fly into most if not all of those markets.

It might sound trivial but it is a vital partnership for us and one we are grateful for, we do not have the funds to fly anything other than economy, but Air New Zealand go out of their way to make sure we arrive in great shape, ready to play."

The team is settling in to their digs in Kunshan, two hours out of Shanghai, for the first of two tournaments they will play. The Tall Blacks will play China Blue on Saturday, Lithuania on Sunday, and Angola on Monday, before moving to Chengdu for another week against the same opponents, albeit this time against the China Red team.

Captain Rueben Te Rangi says the team is looking forward to the first game against China and expects another tough contest after the scrimmages back home.

"The camp has been great but there is nothing like playing for real, and the next week or so and the six games will be a great test of where we are at ahead of the Asia Cup. We are a young group and know the challenge that is ahead of us, but we are not fearful of other teams, we will have respect of course, but we dont fear any of them."

The Tall Blacks will be in for a warm welcome, from both the fans and the weather, with the mercury topping 40 degrees already since their arrival. China is a basketball mad country, and with their top two national team rosters involved, crowds are expected to be big in number and vocal in their support for the home team.

Kunshan International Basketball Championship

Tall Blacks v China Blue

Saturday 29 July

8pm NZT

Tall Blacks v Lithuania

Sunday 30 July

11:30pm NZT

Tall Blacks v Angola

Monday 31st July

8pm NZT

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand