The two biggest thorns that hurt Gilas Pilipinas in their 94-86 loss to New Zealand—Taylor Britt and Jordan Ngatai—are back for the Tall Blacks in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. And they’re surely out to put a world of hurt on the Philippines again, just like they did in Jeddah last August.
Even worse for Gilas, Britt and Ngatai might be bringing along an even stronger team this time around. Back with them from that FIBA Asia Cup squad that finished fourth in the tournament are Max Darling and Tohi Miner-Smith, who both fired 8 points against Gilas, along with Taine Murray and Carlin Davison.
Not in this lineup for the Tall Blacks are Mojave King and Flynn Cameron, who put up 11 and 12, respectively, in that August victory. New Zealand, though, won’t be short on talent and size when it takes on Gilas Pilipinas again, this time at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, February 26. That’s because the Tall Blacks have brought in the big guns, so to speak.
New Zealand Brings Over Even More Talent
Among the notable additions to this New Zealand squad are big men Tyrell Harrison and Sam Mennenga, who are arguably two of the best big men in the Tall Blacks’ pool. Harrison is a legit 7-footer who protects the paint with his length and athleticism. Mennenga, on the other hand, is an athletic 6-foot-9 power forward who played three years for Steph Curry’s alma mater, Davidson College, where he once averaged 15.2 points.
Reuben Te Rangi and Yannick Wetzell are players to watch as well. The 6-foot-6 Te Rangi is an experienced player who averaged 16.4 points in the group stage of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, while Wetzell averaged 8.5 points in his three-year career in the EuroLeague. The former figures to test Gilas’ wings, while Wetzell will be teaming up with Harrison and Mennenga to test the nationals’ Kai Sotto-less frontline.
Gilas Pilipinas Schedule
Gilas Pilipinas takes on New Zealand on Thursday, February 26, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to open the second window of their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Five days later, on Monday, March 1, they will take on Australia.
