When Taane Samuel got word that New Zealand’s first and second window games in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers were going to be hosted in the Philippines, he could not hide his glee.
After all, it was his home for almost two years.
“I was excited because I had been told prior to that that I was part of the long list of players that are being looked at to go into that tournament,” Samuel shared to Tiebreaker Times. “So the coach [Pero Cameron] called and said that we want you.
“And then I heard that it was going to be in the Philippines so I was excited that I can see some of my friends and perform in the Philippines again. It was just exciting.”
But the All-New Zealand National Basketball League team member had his work cut out for him.
Basketball New Zealand had first named a 24-man pool for the Qualifiers. And it was a list of a who’s who in Kiwi basketball.
Samuel though was confident that he would crack the final 14.
“I did not expect it but I know where I stand in that list,” said the 6-foot-8 big man, who averaged 16.45 points, 3.80 rebounds, and 1.70 assists last season with Wellington. “I know my talent and I know how I play and what I bring to the team. I wasn’t so much expecting it but I was confident that I was going to be selected.”
When he made the final 14, one of the first people he called up was Kib Montalbo, his captain in La Salle who is part of Gilas Pilipinas’ 15-man pool.
Photo from Kib Montalbo
“I’m really looking forward to the game against the Philippines. I was talking to Kib and asking him if he was going to play or not,” he shared.
“I’m looking forward to it and, hopefully, play a good game against him.”
No Regrets
Back in UAAP Season 81, expectations were high on Samuel.
Tasked to fill the shoes left by Ben Mbala, the Kiwi student-athlete was expected to be better than the two-time UAAP MVP as Samuel had FIBA youth experience under his belt when he went to La Salle.
However, a Jones fracture derailed his only campaign with the Green Archers, forcing him to play just four games.
Still, he only has fond memories during his short stay in the Philippines.
“The most memorable time for me was stepping on the court for the first time. It was during Filoil and we got our first win. That was the most memorable,” he said.
“My only regret probably how my time there ended. That’s my only regret,” he added.
“Other than that, I don’t really regret anything and I enjoyed my time there. It was a good time for me, enjoyed the basketball. The people are just nice people and it’s hard not to have fun in the Philippines.”
Now 22, Samuel has grown to be one of the top players in the Oceania region. In fact, he was signed by NBL-Australia team Brisbane right after his stint with Wellington.
It’s actually the same path as Montalbo.
After Season 81, the 6-foot defensive specialist did not immediately throw his name to the PBA Draft, instead spending time first with Makati-Super Crunch in the MPBL.
Montalbo was then drafted by TNT as the 11th overall pick in the shallow 2019 Rookie Draft. There, he was able to flourish and eventually be called up to Gilas.
Possibly, both Samuel and Montalbo will be sharing the court on Sunday when the Tall Blacks face Gilas. And Samuel says it’s going to be a moment that they will never forget.
“It’s huge for us because he was my captain. It just shows how far we have come down that track to playing not with each other but against each other on a big stage now and representing our countries. It’s huge for us.”
Butterflies
When Samuel steps on the floor of the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Thursday when New Zealand faces India, it will be the first time he does so in 1,191 days.
“It’s my first time coming back in about four years so it’s going to be amazing,” said Samuel
Making it extra special is that he is making his seniors’ team debut.
Having played for New Zealand’s youth and 3×3 teams, Samuel already knows what to expect. But making it extra special for him is that he gets to do it in the venue where he last played his UAAP game.
“It’s always an honor to put on the jersey and represent the country. It’s always going to give you butterflies and make you feel certain types of ways you cannot explain,” he expressed.
“I’m just excited and for it to happen in the Philippines, it’s going to be huge for me.”
