Basketball: Tall Blacks stars in doubt for Commonwealth Games

Isaac Fotu. Photo / Getty

The Tall Blacks could be without their three of their best players for the Commonwealth Games.

Isaac Fotu, Corey Webster and Tai Webster are all in doubt for the Games in April, with all three players requiring to be released by their overseas clubs to participate in the Games.

With Steven Adams unavailable due to NBA commitments, the trio are the Tall Blacks' best chance of having high-profile international players in their squad for the Gold Coast.

Fotu and Tai Webster both play in Germany, while Corey Webster is contracted in Israel. With their seasons not concluding until May at the earliest, and the Commonwealth Games not recognised as a FIBA international window, the Tall Blacks are relying on the generosity of their respective clubs to release them for the Games.

"We have written to their clubs seeking their release for that period - but there is no requirement on those clubs from an international perspective to release them for the Commonwealth Games," explains Basketball New Zealand CEO Iain Potter.

"It will be up to the clubs and players themselves to negotiate their availability."

The trio are set to link up with the Tall Blacks in a fortnight's time for the next FIBA window, with the Tall Blacks taking on South Korea and China.

Potter told Radio Sport that Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare will use that opportunity to gauge the players' likelihood of being released.

"We have a little bit more time up our sleeves before we have to announce that, so I think Paul Henare will be talking to those players when he's away with them in China and Korea to get a sense of their availability."

Potter hasn't had any official response from the three clubs, but is more optimistic about the chances of securing the trio than he was before the process began.

"I think the fact we're having conversations with the clubs indicates there is some potential for their availability."

It is understood the deadline to confirm the Tall Blacks squad for the Commonwealth Games looms, with a decision required by the end of the month.