Basketball New Zealand

Junior Tall Black logo

Scott Morgan, Central Leader
It has been a rapid rise to the top for Junior Tall Black Jerome Tafa.

The 18-year-old was plucked from Onehunga High School’s premier basketball team last year to represent his country at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany this April.

Tafa, who has only played basketball for the last three years, says it was a surprise to be included in the national squad.

“It took a while to sink in. The majority of the guys have been through the age group teams.

“When everyone asks about it, then it really sinks in. It lets you know hard work pays off.”

At more than two metres tall Tafa has the height to compete at international level, though he knows there’ll be plenty of players taller than him at the upcoming tournament.

Originally, the Onehunga resident planned on joining the navy this year after graduating from the school’s service academy, which helps prepare students for a career in the military.

But after being selected in the New Zealand side, Tafa decided he needed to give his basketball dream a shot.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me before I go into the navy.”

He’s also aware there could be the opportunity to turn professional if he performs well.

“You never know what will turn up. It’s always good to have a look.”

While he’s never played international basketball before, the forward is training about 15 hours a week.

The training includes specialist sessions to improve his skill-set and monthly squad camps in Hamilton.

“It’s not exciting training, but it’s what we have to do to make sure we’re good enough. Competing is my big thing,” he says.

“I’ll get excited about the tournament once we get on the plane.”

He’ll also have the opportunity to come to grips with the next step up thanks to three warm-up matches against Greece before the tournament.

Along with training, Tafa is also working part-time in a warehouse to pay for the $7000 trip.

New Zealand coach Deslea Wrathall says Tafa has several attributes that will serve him well in Germany.

“He’s got the size and mobility. Jerome can play the physical game we need him to over there.

“He brings a really good work ethic to the team, understands the big picture and is a good team person.”

Ms Wrathall says the Albert Schweitzer tournament is the second most prestigious tournament in the under-19 age group behind world champs, which were held in New Zealand last year.

She hopes the experiences gained in Germany will allow her side to overcome their main opposition Australia at the Oceania Championships in September, with the winner qualifying for the world champs.