Corey Webster will captain the Tall Blacks for their clash with away at the Philippines this week and Chinese Taipei later in the month in Christchurch.
The 35-year-old debuted at age 19 for the national team at the 2008 Olympic Qualifiers, since then clocking up 97 games in the black singlet, often in hostile environments and almost always against the odds.
Head Coach Judd Flavell had no hesitation in turning to Webster to lead in the in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying games against the Philippines in Manila and against Chinese Taipei in Christchurch, where they joined forces in 2023 to take the Rams to the Sal’s NBL title.
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“Corey and I go way back to his first formative steps at the Breakers when I joined the coaching staff, in my stints as assistant coach with the Tall Blacks, and more recently with the Rams as we helped Canterbury secure a national title.
“I have seen the emergence and growth in Corey throughout his career from a young aspiring talent through to being the world class player he is, and now a proud family man. He has been through ups and downs that many experience along their travels. This is what I believe makes him a natural fit to lead our young group on the international stage in one of the biggest competitive arenas in world basketball.
Webster confirmed that line of thinking and love for this team when recalling the call from Flavell to make himself available, and then to captain this group.
“These decisions always need thinking about, especially with a young family and home life, but anytime I am available I am going to put my hand up until I retire from the game- which I haven’t yet,” said Webster.
“As soon as Juddy called I knew I would put my hand up, it is always an honour to put that black singlet on, no matter how long I have been playing for the Tall Blacks if I can get up and play a game, then I love being a part of it.
“Judd has had a massive influence on my basketball career – I was part of the first development group they created at the Breakers, I think Tom (Abercombie) was there, BJ (Anthony), me and a few others. That was my path to the Breakers and professional basketball and Judd led that development team and the work we did, way back in around 2006.
Webster will carry few nerves when leading the team in the upcoming games in the Philippines and Christchurch.
“I have been a leader on the Tall Blacks for a few years, so I don’t think I will change much in the way I lead, it is more about trying to influence the next generation, the up-and-coming players. Teaching players about the culture of the Tall Blacks.
Webster has been part of four New Zealand championships, three Australian Titles, an African championship, and numerous personal honours.
The former Westlake High School and Harbour Basketball star has played all over the world, in Serbia, Greece, Israel, China, Italy, Egypt and Montenegro, and flirted with the NBA with pre-season games and trials in 2015 and again in 2017.
Tall Blacks Roster to play FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
Taylor Britt, Guard, Canterbury Rams, 28 years old, 27 games for New Zealand
Corey Webster, Guard, Auckland Tuatara, 35, 97 games, Captain
Kaia Isaac, Guard, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 21, 0 games
Flyn Cameron, Guard, Melbourne United/Taranaki Airs, 24, 26 games
Izayah Mauriohooho Le’afa, Guard, Sydney Kings/Wellington Saints, 27, 25 games
Walter Brown, Guard/Forward, Tasmania Jackjumpers/Canterbury Rams, 21, 14 games
Hyrum Harris, Forward, Perth Wildcats/Wellington Saints, 28, 17 games
Tom Vodanovich, Forward, Southeast Melbourne Phoenix/Auckland Tuatara, 30, 14 games
Oscar Goodman, Forward, NBA Global Academy/New Plymouth Boys, 17, 0 games
Max Darling, Forward, BNZ Breakers/Canterbury Rams, 24, 4 games
Sam Mennenga, Forward/Centre, BNZ Breakers, 22, 8 games
Sam Waardenburg, Centre/Forward, Cairns Taipans, 25, 1 game
Tyrell Harrison, Centre, Brisbane Bullets, 25, 10 games
Head Coach, Judd Flavell, Assistant Coaches Michael Fitchett and Aaron Young.
Tall Blacks Schedule – Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025
22 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (away): WON 89-69
25 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Hong Kong (Auckland): WON 88-49
21 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Philippines (away)
25 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (Christchurch): 7pm, Wolfbrook Arena
20 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Hong Kong (away)
23 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Philippines (New Zealand)
5-17 Aug 2025 – FIBA Asia Cup 2025 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)