Ili, Waardenburg to play for Tall Blacks in World Cup Qualifiers

Melbourne United pairing Shea Ili and Sam Waardenburg are set to suit up for the Tall Blacks next week as New Zealand continue their FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Ili and Waardenburg will take to the court against Iran (August 28) and Syria (August 30) in this latest window, as the team looks to put themselves in a strong position in qualifying Group E.

The dynamic duo were huge in the Tall Black’s previous two games, combining for 37 points in a thrilling win over the Philippines and guiding their team to a 54-point demolition of Guam.

Across their international careers, Ili has amassed 75 games for New Zealand, while Waardenburg has tallied six.

See the full team here:

Flynn Cameron (Adelaide 36ers)
Tobias Cameron (New Zealand Breakers)
Carlin Davison (New Zealand Breakers)
Shea Ili (Melbourne United)
Sam Mennenga (New Zealand Breakers)
Jordan Ngatai (Tauranga Whai)
Reuben Te Rangi (New Zealand Breakers)
Sam Timmins (Southland Sharks)
Sam Waardenburg (Melbourne United)
Corey Webster (Manawatū Jets)
Tai Webster (Limoges CSP, FRA)
Luca Yates (Cairns Taipans)
Head Coach: Judd Flavell
Assistant Coaches: Mike Fitchett, Matt Lacey

The games will be streamed live on Disney+ via ESPN.

*Photo - Basketball NZ