How do you compare a player from the 1970s to one of today?
It is no easy task. Basketball has evolved immeasurably over that time and the Tall Blacks have come a long way in their standing on the world stage.
It becomes even harder when you consider the majority of Tall Blacks games have been played in some foreign gym with no television camera in sight.
But why let that stop us from trying?
The starters
Steven Adams
Big, physical and athletic, the seven-footer is going from strength to strength in the NBA.
Provides a presence on defence, is deadly inside and is the world’s best offensive rebounder right now.
He has not played for the Tall Blacks yet, but he’s a Kiwi and this is a dream team, so we’ll claim him.
Sean Marks
Had a lengthy NBA career and provides another athletic big.
Reliable finisher around the hoop while also providing more rebounding and rim protection.
Pero Cameron
New Zealand’s only FIBA Hall-of-Famer. Made the tournament team at the 2002 world championships when the country finished fourth and announced itself to the basketball world.
Brought toughness and shot the ball well, alongside having a strong post-up game.
Kirk Penney
Elite all-round shooter with an exceptional IQ. Achieved highly in college and Europe, played in the NBA and was often brilliant for the Tall Blacks. Notably finished second in scoring at the 2010 world championships with 24.7 points per game.
Mark Dickel
A dynamic true point guard with a tight handle, speed and exceptionally high-level passing ability.
The most successful New Zealander in Europe and easily the country’s — and Otago’s — best point guard.
The bench
Stan Hill
For years considered New Zealand’s greatest player, rumour has it he turned down an NBA gig to go to England.
There is limited footage of his playing days, but his reputation has transcended that.
Corey Webster
A combo-guard whose ability to score in isolation has made him a match-winner for New Zealand and saw him make it to the cusp of the NBA.
Glen Denham
A forward who could score and rebound, captained the Tall Blacks for 13 years and played more than 200 matches.
Phill Jones
A high-level scorer who was deadly shooting off both the catch and dribble.
Was the second-leading scorer among all teams at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Mika Vukona
One of New Zealand sport’s great warriors who brings effort, toughness and hustle.
Tai Webster
Maybe too soon — he’s only 22 — but he has played for the Tall Blacks since 2012 and has already done big things overseas.
An elite perimeter defender who scores in bunches on offence, both from the outside and at the hoop.
Ed Book
Fills the naturalised player spot, another big man who was a key part of the great early-2000s team.
