Kerr, Tini In Charge
Tagged in: Tall Ferns
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/09/kerr_aneka_151450-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/09/tini_jody_124490-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943
Veterans Aneka Kerr and Jody Tini have been handed the joint captaincy of the NZ Tall Ferns for this weekís FIBA Oceania Championships in Dunedin as the Kiwi women attempt to qualify for next yearís Beijing Olympics.
Her promotion completes a unique family double for Tini, whose brother Pero Cameron is NZ Tall Blacks captain.
The pair will inherit the leadership role off guard Noni Wharemate, who has held it through most of the national teamís 2007 campaign during the absence of Kerr, Tini and previous skipper Donna Wilkins.
ìThis is about recognizing their service to the programme,î acknowledges Fern coach Mike McHugh. ìThe way they play the game and the way they go about things demonstrate leadership Ö they are looked up to in our team.î
It is no co-incidence the duo are the longest serving members of this weekís roster.
Kerr (26) debuted for the Tall Ferns in 1999 and returns to the line-up for the first time since ACL reconstruction late last year. Tini (31) was first selected in 1996 and was also unavailable through most of the 2007 schedule, returning to lead the side against University of Wisconsin last month.
Wharemate sat out that encounter, played on a Sunday, for religious reasons.
ìJody demonstrated in that game that her own game improves with the extra responsibility,î says McHugh.
ìBoth Aneka and Jody are canny players Ö theyíre clever and know the tricks of the game. Itís great to have them pass that on to their team-mates.î
The captaincy solution illustrates the development that has taken place within the Ferns over the past six months. With their veterans unavailable, the young squad has had to develop their own leadership group.
Wharemate was appointed to the job, but Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe has that honour with the Christchurch Sirens franchise in the Australian WNBL. Point guard Angela Marino is another prospect awaiting her turn.
ìThe position can be a burden if things are not going well,î says McHugh. ìBut we now have a number of people with strong leadership traits and whoever is captain now has plenty of support.î
New Zealand open the Oceania Championships against the world champion Australian Opals on Wednesday at Dunedinís Edgar Centre.
Australia have already qualified for the Olympics, so the Tall Ferns have to beat Fiji to claim the Oceania berth at Beijing.
FIBA Oceania Championships Media Kit (pdf 469KB)
