Ili, Waardenburg to team up with Tall Blacks

Two of Melbourne United’s stars for NBL27 are set to team up in the upcoming July FIBA Window.

Shea Ili and Sam Waardenburg have been named as part of the 12-man New Zealand Tall Blacks squad set to face off against the Philippines and Guam in Auckland on July 3 and July 6.

This will be just the second time the pair have suited up for the Tall Blacks together.

Ili, who has thrived in his return to action in the NBL1 South with Sandringham, said the games will be a great opportunity to start to get a good feel for what their partnership could look like next season.

“Sam is a great player, I’m really excited for the chance to spend some time on the court with him with the Tall Blacks,” Ili explained.

“It’s going to give us a bit of a head start playing some games that matter together. Our goal is to go out there and play winning basketball, whether that be for New Zealand or for United.

“Hopefully some United fans can watch the games and get a preview for what next season could look like while cheering for the Tall Blacks.”

These games are part of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where New Zealand currently sit in second place in Pool A with a 2-2 record.

New Zealand Tall Blacks squad:

Taylor Britt
Carlin Davison
Shea Ili
Mojave King
Sam Mennenga
Taine Murray
Jordan Ngatai
Tohi Smith-Milner
Reuben Te Rangi
Sam Timmins
Sam Waardenburg
Tai Webster

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