Keanu Rasmussen is about to make his New Zealand debut in Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Rasmussen is a 6-foot-2 guard from Division I school California Baptist.
The 22-year-old currently plays for NBL-Australia’s Adelaide.
Rasmussen will join a core of familiar faces, including Reuben Te Rangi, Taylor Britt, Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Alex McNaught, and Sam Mennenga of New Zealand.
Returning from the first qualifying window, which saw New Zealand fall to Australia in both games, will be Brisbane’s Tyrell Harrison, Taine Murray, and Tohi Smith-Milner.
The squad will also be bolstered by B.League imports Yanni Wetzell of Akita and longtime veteran Jordan Ngatai of Hokkaido.
Notably absent will be Tall Blacks ace Corey Webster.
New Zealand will hit the road for the second qualifying window, facing Guam on February 26 and the Philippines on March 1.
The Tall Blacks will aim to avenge their 93-89 loss to the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last November 21, 2024.
Since then, the Philippines has suffered two defeats to New Zealand, setting the stage for another intense showdown.
