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FWC: SUI vs COL live on SN ExtraTall Blacks power into next qualifying stage after perfect July window
Regan Harrison • July 7th, 2026 2:54 pm
Tall Blacks guard Tai Webster performs a haka during the Tall Blacks v Philippines | Photo: Blake Armstrong/Photosport
The New Zealand Tall Blacks have swept their July window of their Asian World Cup qualifiers, booking their place into the next round.
They edged out the Philippines 106-102 on Friday night after two extra-time periods and last night seamlessly beat a winless Guam side 129-75.
Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell told Sport Nation Mornings the team have their sights firmly set on the 2027 World Cup.
“With the context of carrying those points with you into the next round… Absolutely critical that we got that win against the Philippines, big game, big result,” Flavell said.
The Tall Blacks now join a new pool in the second round of qualifying with three western Asian sides in Iran, Jordan, and Syria.
Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell on maximising Sam Mennenga | The Fast Break Podcast
Twelve teams go through into this next stage, with seven qualifying to progress further in the competition. Qatar received automatic qualification due to being the hosts of the 2027 Basketball World Cup.
Flavell noted this competition will take place over several different playing windows and expressed the challenges around availability and time restrictions.
“With this format of windows, the All Whites do the same. You get together for a week, and you've got a couple of games to play, and then you decentralise, and everybody goes to their home base or professional clubs, and you don't see each other for two, three, or four months,” Flavell expressed.
Flavell says the biggest challenge for a coaching staff is sometimes team selection within new playing groups, which is all dependent on player availability, and then attempting to get everyone on the same page in limited time.
Listen to the full interview below:
