Junior Tall Blacks Make History at U19 World Cup

The New Zealand U19 basketball team, known as the Junior Tall Blacks, has made a remarkable advancement at the Under-19 World Cup in Lausanne. In a thrilling match, they defeated the host nation Switzerland 84–70 to secure a place in the semifinals. This historic achievement marks one of the greatest moments in New Zealand basketball history.

Despite trailing by six points at halftime, the Kiwis showcased their resilience and determination in the second half. A dominant third quarter proved crucial as the team took control and maintained their lead to secure a hard-fought victory. Guard Hayden Jones, the son of Tall Blacks legend Phil Jones, was instrumental in the win, scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Julius Halaifonua added 17 points to the cause.

Coach Matt Lacey Praises Team's Composure

Speaking to Jason Pine on Weekend Sport on Newstalk ZB, coach Matt Lacey expressed his pride in his players' composure under pressure. With 6,000 passionate fans in attendance, the Kiwis were able to stay focused and remain calm in key moments.

"There were 6,000 fans in the building, and I thought we kept our composure there in the second half and stayed poised in big moments," said Lacey.

Lacey acknowledged that the team felt the pressure in the first half and made some rushed decisions, but he praised their ability to adapt and bounce back in the second half.

A Historic Run in the U19 Tournament

New Zealand's best previous performance in the U19 World Cup was in 2017, when they finished 11th. They also placed 13th in 2009 and 2019. This year's semifinal appearance is a significant leap forward for the program. Five of the current squad were part of the U17 team that reached the semifinals in 2024—a result that matched the nation's best-ever performance in international basketball, which came at the FIBA World Cup 2002, where New Zealand finished fourth.

Next Challenge: Facing the United States

The Junior Tall Blacks will now face the heavily favored United States in the semifinals. The U.S. team advanced after a narrow victory over Canada in their quarterfinal match. While New Zealand is expected to be the underdogs, Lacey remains optimistic about his team's chances.

"The US got pushed all the way to the wire by Canada in their quarter-final and only won by a few points," said Lacey. "They’re a very talented and athletic team, but they’re also not invincible. Excited for the opportunity, excited for the challenge. Lots of these boys are all heading over to the US to play in the collegiate system alongside them, against them."

Lacey's confidence stems from the team's recent success and the fact that many of the players are already set to compete in the U.S. collegiate system, giving them valuable experience against top-tier opposition.

A Nation Watching

This historic run has captured the attention of basketball fans across New Zealand and beyond. The Junior Tall Blacks' performance has not only brought pride to the country but also highlighted the growing strength of New Zealand basketball at the youth level.

As the team prepares for the next challenge, all eyes will be on whether they can continue their remarkable journey and make it to the final. Regardless of the outcome, their achievement at this stage is already a cause for celebration.