The version of Tall Blacks that New Zealand has sent to Manila is not quite the same roster from the February window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The Tall Blacks for the November window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers isn't quite the same roster from the February window.
And that may be something Gilas Pilipinas can capitalize on.
"If we're going to look at the personnel from number one to number 12, hindi sila mahina but this is maybe the most inexperienced New Zealand squad we're going against," FIBA media officer and Gilas Youth assistant coach Enzo Flojo told One News' Play by Play.
Of the Tall Blacks' final 12 in the November window, only five remained from the February roster: Taylor Britt, Flynn Cameron, former PBA import Tom Vodanovich (16.0 PPG), Max Darling, and Tyrell Harrison (11.0 PPG).
Corey Webster is back as captain, providing veteran experience especially from the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) with an average of 13.5 points. Joining him from that roster are Cameron, Vodanovich, Harrison, Izaya Le'afa (13.0 PPG), and Sam Mennenga.
[ALSO READ: Gilas to face former Converge import Tom Vodanovich, Corey Webster in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers]
They have brought additional veterans from the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Walter Brown and Hyrum Harris.
But there's also plenty of new faces such as 21-year-old Kaia Isaac and 17-year-old Oscar Goodman--the Most Valuable Player in the 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Championship.
Harrison leads New Zealand in efficiency with 19.5, and is the second in rebounds with 7.5 boards. His shooting should not be underestimated, having made 9 of 10 field goals in Window 1.
Ethan Rusbatch, one of the top scorers for New Zealand in Window 1 is absent along with top rebounder Sam Timmins. However, Vodanovich is second for the Tall Blacks with firepower with 16.0 PPG. He had made 3-of-4 triples as well.
"This is a New Zealand team that will still be very, very big so they have a lot of size. They're also going to have a lot of speed and shooting so it's a balanced team. That's something that's always been consistent with New Zealand and that's something we should expect," Flojo noted.
They also have a new coach in Judd Flavell--another member of the team which reached the semifinals of the 2002 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Flavell will be taking over from Paul Henare and Pero Cameron.
He's not a completely new face, having coached the junior program and served as an assistant coach to the Tall Blacks.
He also won the NBL title with the Auckland Pirates in 2012, the Southland Sharks in 2018, and the Canterbury Rams in 2023 and 2024.
In four FIBA face-offs, New Zealand has the 4-0 edge against the Philippines. But Flojo believes Tim Cone's squad may have a chance.
[ALSO READ: 5th time's the charm? Revisiting the encounters of Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand in FIBA]
"As long as we have maybe under 15 turnovers, we don't give up too many free throws, I think New Zealand will still outrebound us. I hope I'm wrong, I hope I'm jinxing them. But if we if we hold our own, if we're competitive on the boards, and we kind of outshoot them we have a very good chance," Flojo said.
Even coach Tim Cone wants to believe.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone says Gilas has shot to score first win vs New Zealand]
After the games against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, Justin Brownlee has emerged to be the most efficient player of the entire competition. Kai Sotto became the leader in blocks, while Scottie Thompson is number one in assists.
And of course, having a strong home crowd support will help.
"We're playing them at home so that's something I think we could potentially capitalize on especially since our team has a lot of veterans as well," he said.
They just have to shake off the intimidation from the haka first.
[NEXT: Gilas Pilipinas guide: 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers November window schedule, results]