Auckland Tuatara forward Reuben Te Rangi has been confirmed as captain of the Tall Blacks as they embark on the FIBA World Cup in Asia.
Te Rengi was today named in the 12-strong Tall Blacks side to face the United States, Greece and Jordan in pool play and was earmarked as the nation’s captain.
The 28-year-old, who will captain the squad in his first ever World Cup, says it is a great honour to lead the Tall Blacks team in Manila under coach Pero Cameron.
“Obviously the last World Cup I was out with injury, I had to get surgery on my knee so that was disappointing,” Te Rangi said.
“This opportunity coming around now is amazing and I can’t express how excited I am to be here and to play in this World Cup.
“To lead this team is an easy gig, we have a lot of leaders on our team and anyone of the boys could’ve been captain, so it’s easy on that part.
“My style is to lead by example; I speak up every now and then when I need to, but otherwise it’s just lead by example.”
The Tall Blacks play their first game against the United States on Sunday at 12.40am NZT.