Former Far Eastern University standout Ken Tuffin is suiting up for the New Zealand Basketball men’s basketball team in the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Tuffin, who is currently part of the Wellington Saints in the New Zealand-National Basketball League, is set to see action for the Tall Blacks, when they take on the Gilas Pilipinas national squad Philippines in Auckland on June 30 in the third window of the FIBA qualifiers for the ‘23 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan from August 25 to September 10 next year.
The 25-year-old Tuffin was supposed to be part of the Gilas pool during Tab Baldwin’s time as coach.
But Tuffin was not able to return to the Philippines during the Asia Cup Qualifiers because of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions.
Instead, the 6’4” Tuffin, who averaged 7.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in four losses of the Saints this season, will be among the 13 New Zealand players.
Also included in the roster are Dion Prewster, Jayden Bezzant, Taylor Britt, Joe Cook-Green, Hyrum Harris, Ethan Rusbatch, Tai Wynard, Taane Samuel, Richie Rodger, Taki Fahrensohn, and Benjamin Gold.
Coach Pero Cameron is also expected to have Tuffin play for the Tall Blacks, which will have its roster picked from pool of 33 players for the coming FIBA Asia Cup, which will also be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 12 to 24.
New Zealand’s roster also has guards Corey Webster, Dion Prewster, Ethan Rusbatch, Flynn Cameron, Jarrod Kenny, Jayden Bezzant, Joe Cook-Green, Kruz Perrott-Hunt, Richie Rodger, Shea Ili, Taine Murray, Taylor Britt.