New Zealand national team member Finn Delany spoke with “Basketball Sphere” about his expectations for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023.
Finn Delany is projected as one of New Zealand’s leaders. He comes to the tournament after a successful season, in which Bonn won the FIBA Champions League. And that’s where he draws his confidence for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
New Zealand has played four friendly games so far. They celebrated only once – against Japan. Defeats came from the same rival, but also from China and Canada.
In a conversation with Basketball Sphere, Delany talked about the challenges ahead, but also what they can do in Asia.
“We like big challenges”
In the previous games, one thing was constant – Delany’s form. The New Zealand Breakers new player was regularly in double figures, and he gave his best performance in the defeat against China (69:68). He recorded 12 points and five rebounds and assists each.
His national team is now moving to Shenzhen, where two final tests await them against the hosts (China) and Italy. After that, the task will be extremely difficult, given that New Zealand are in Group C, which also includes the United States, Greece and Jordan.
“We have a big challenge ahead of us. That’s what we like. It’s great that we will be challenged in this way. Therefore, the results in the group will be more appreciated, when we take into account the rivals.
The expectation is that we prepare in a way that will give us a chance to win. So, we expect a lot from us.” – said the New Zealand national team member at the beginning of the conversation with Basketball Sphere.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be part of the Greek national team, like many other stars. This projects the United States as the number one favorite in the group, despite the fact that they are not coming to the tournament with the best roster they have.
“The United States has a very talented team that has skill. Athletically very capable… We know that for most of their players this will be their first appearance at the FIBA tournament. It’s different, starting with the spacing. We believe we can beat them.”
“The success of the generation from Indianapolis motivates everyone”
The United States rely on athletic abilities, and the New Zealanders rely on help from the bench. Their head coach is legendary Pero Cameron, the creator of one of the most beautiful Mundobasket stories of all time.
21 years ago, he led the group of players that reached the World Cup semi-finals in Indianapolis. It couldn’t be more than that. Yugoslavia, the later champion, was better.
“That event played a big role in our basketball development. It’s motivating, and Pero Cameron is a real leader. He talked a lot about Yugoslavia, about how good they were. Also, I was asked about Pero while I was wearing the FMP Zeleznik jersey.
Basketball culture in New Zealand is growing. Rugby is dominant, but the numbers are increasing year by year. I also include young people and children, whose number is increasing perhaps more than in any other sport. This is a very good sign for the future.”
From August 25 to September 10, Delany will try to be one of the team leaders who can represent inspiration to new generations. He is aware that such a thing will not be easy next to the basketball powerhouses, but he also hopes that New Zealand could make a breakthrough.
“I see maybe France as the biggest favorite. There is also Spain. Potentially, I see New Zealand as the biggest surprise.” – Finn Delany concluded in an interview with Basketball Sphere.