No More Black For Boucher
Tagged in: Tall Blacks
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2008/02/boucher_worthington_131984-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
Retiring Tall Black Dillon Boucher calls himself “The Cleaner” … national team coach Nenad Vucinic refers to “x-factor”.
“When everyone goes to the toilet, someone has to clean up after them,” Boucher quips. “That’s me.”
Either way, during his nine-year international career over more than 100 games, Boucher has come to epitomize the qualities that have made New Zealand a surprise force on the world basketball stage.
Hard work, intelligence, determination, making the most of your talents … never taking a backward step.
While the uninitiated might judge a player solely by how many points they score, Boucher has shown a growing basketball community you can make a huge impact on a game in other ways, with a deft pass, a clutch offensive rebound or a cheeky, come-from-behind steal when an opponent least expects it.
“Like everyone else, I grew up dreaming about Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and shooting ‘threes’,” he says. “But as you get older you realize your role in teams.
“I guess I identified my role quite early, stuck to my guns and did what I knew would get me to the level I’m now playing at.
“Sometimes the things I do aren’t glamorous and don’t get many accolades, but every team needs someone to do the dirty work.”
Boucher admits the decision to step down from the Tall Blacks was a tough one.
“It’s hard to give up something you love and to play for your country is always an honour.
“What hit home to me this year was my body started breaking down. I have been struggling with a shoulder injury and now my hip flexor … they’re probably overuse injuries.
“I’ve played year round now for 5-6 years and need a break. You need to be 100% to play internationally and I’m not 100%.”
Boucher debuted for the Tall Blacks in an Olympic qualifying tournament in 1999, but became a regular fixture two years later when he traveled to the Goodwill Games as coach Tab Baldwin’s video technician and joined the playing roster after NBA performer Sean Marks withdrew.
He was one of the stars (12.7 points, 10.0 rebounds) as New Zealand upset Australia in the FIBA Oceania Championships, qualifying for the 2002 world championships in Indianapolis, and became a fan favourite during the Tall Blacks’ drive to the semifinals.
The following year, Boucher accepted the Halberg Award for supreme performance at the NZ Sports Awards on behalf of his team-mates.
“That was a time I’ll always hold dear in my heart and I’m very proud of,” he says. “Representing your country at Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games is right up there as well, but performance-wise, 2002 was probably our best on the world stage.”
Despite their Halberg Award, Boucher believes the Tall Blacks probably haven’t received the kudos they deserve for flying the New Zealand flag in one of the world’s most competitive sports.
“Basketball is right up there with soccer as one of the most played sports. We have tried to hammer it home, but I don’t think New Zealanders really understand that when the Tall Blacks step out on the floor with the world super powers, it’s a huge achievement if we can come away with a win.
“I think maybe Kiwis have come to expect us to win.”
Boucher will continue to play in the Dominion Finance NBL, where he was won more titles (eight) than anyone else, and the Australian league, where his Brisbane Bullets are the defending champions.
With the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament looming in July, Vucinic is sad to see Boucher go, but understands it is time.
“Dillon is a champion, not just because of all the titles he has won, but because he is a guy that knows how to get it done. We call it ‘x-factor’ and it’s something you’re born with … you can’t coach it.
“He will be a huge loss to the Tall Black and is one of the most intelligent players I have come across. Tab and I would always look to Dillon for help because he can see things that nobody else sees out on the court.
“I hope we can keep him in the game.”
