Brown a Tall Black for the first time

The Tasmania JackJumpers would like to congratulate Development Player Walter Brown on being selected to represent the New Zealand Tall Blacks.

Brown, who hails from Christchurch, will join the squad ahead of the Tall Black’s FIBA Qualifier against Lebanon on November 10.

“It’s an honour to be selected to represent my home country” 19-year-old Brown said.

“When I got the call, I was pretty shocked, but I’m really excited to take this next step and play with the Tall Blacks”.

Brown was signed as a JackJumpers Development Player following a trial in August and has made strong improvements in his short time with the club.

“I feel like I’m taking my game to another level and really thriving in the culture and with the guys we have here” Brown said.

“I think this environment really suits me and my game. The coaches have been amazing, working with me one-on-one and really investing in me both on and off the court”.

Head Coach Scott Roth said the selection was reward for Brown’s effort and growth.  

“He’s a great kid and has really bought in to everything we’re trying to do down here and he’s thriving in this program. We’re all really pleased for him to be selected in the Tall Blacks squad, and I know he’ll represent his country and us very proudly” Roth said.

JackJumpers consultant and ex-Tall Black Mika Vukona will support the New Zealand National team as a Player Mentor.

The announcement of Brown’s inclusion in the New Zealand squad follows Jack McVeigh’s selection in the Australian squad for the Boomers’ FIBA Qualifying game against Kazakhstan during the FIBA window from November 7-14.

Jacob Chance has been selected as an Assistant coach to Mike Kelly, and Ryan Carroll will travel to Kazakhstan as Physiotherapist for the Australian team.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup will be held in August and September next year across the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.