Basketball: NZ's way down OKC 'pecking order'

Steven Adams

Big men are vital controlling the paint in any basketball equation but it seems NBA homeboy Steven Adams isn't likely to slip on the Tall Blacks singlet anytime soon.

"I have no news on Steven Adams," Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare said yesterday in Napier. "There's big deals going at the moment in his camp ... so from OKC's [Oklahoma City Thunders] point of view we're way down the pecking order in terms of priorities.

"We'll just have to let that stuff play out while we keep plugging away," Henare said before adding the tour this month against European, Asian and South American teams will cover all their bases.

"A lot went into planning this campaign so it' s all geared towards playing Australia and you can never replicate playing against Australia until you play them but we can try a different number of styles and be comfortable within our own style so it's as good as it's going to get."

Taking an "it-is-what-it-is" stance, Henare said players unavailable include Tai Webster (Nebraska University), Jack Salt (University of Virginia Cavaliers) and Kirk Penney (Baloncesto Sevilla).

"Tai and Jack Salt, in particular, have college commitments in the States. Kirk Penney's obviously been around a long time and wanted to spend some time with his new baby and wife so other than that we've got everyone else here and that's what we have to work with and we're more than happy with them."

The exuberance of youth has brought excitement and fresh energy to Henare's crusade.

"I don't think there's ever been a Tall Black squad assembled with 100 per cent of best players but no matter what happens, when you represent your country it is what it is and you've got to work with what you've got."

A rookie national coach, he considers it an honour and privilege to be at the helm. "I've only been in the job for four or five days ... so I'm really excited and happy."

An ex-Tall Black point guard, he juxtaposes the switch in roles: "When you're playing you're physically going through a lot and as a coach you probably go through the same challenges but from a mental point of view."