The Tall Blacks boss likes the match up against Philippines, who are of course coached by former Tall Blacks mentor Tab Baldwin. The Tall Blacks are all but ready for their vital opening game at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila on Thursday morning against the host nation Philippines in front of a sell out and passionate home crowd. "His progression has been outstanding considering our worst fears early on and what we thought might be a serious tear. It might be just 48 hours away, but there is still plenty of work to get in." Henare says the next 24 hours will be vital as he and assistants Pero Cameron and Ross McMains put the finishing touches on preparation.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 04, 2016 19:07 UTC