The Mills Albert Wellington Saints are proud to congratulate former Saints Shea Ili, Izayah Le’afa and Tohi Smith-Milner on being named in the Tall Blacks squad, and to acknowledge Nick Kay’s selection for the Australian Boomers ahead of Window 1 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers (Nov 28, Hobart; Dec 1, TSB Arena).

It’s a familiar sight for Saints fans to see former club heroes step back onto the international stage. Shea Ili first made his mark with the Saints before moving through the NBL and international ranks, a player Saints supporters remember for clutch scoring nights and finals performances during his time in Wellington. 

Izayah Le’Afa’s basketball journey also has deep Wellington roots. A product of the capital, Le’Afa spent his early senior seasons with the Saints before heading to college and the Australian NBL; he’s since gone on to become a regular fixture in Tall Blacks lineups and a fan-favourite whenever he pulls on the blue and white. Saints supporters will know him as a tough, high-intensity guard who always brings energy and defence.

Tohi Smith-Milner’s selection is another proud moment for Wellington watchers. Tohi returned to the Saints in recent seasons and has enjoyed an accomplished international career with the Tall Blacks, including standout performances at Asia Cup tournaments and a Commonwealth Games bronze, making him one of New Zealand’s most reliable forwards.

On the other side of the Tasman, Nick Kay brings experience and leadership to the Boomers’ frontcourt. A proven international performer who was part of Australia’s recent Olympic and World Cup cycles, Kay’s presence in the Boomers squad underlines the quality Australia will field across Window 1. 

Trans-Tasman clashes are always rich in storylines. The Tall Blacks vs Boomers rivalry has plenty of history, moments of shock, and a long tradition of closely contested series that mean neither side ever takes the other for granted. With Window 1 split between Hobart (Nov 28) and Wellington’s own TSB Arena (Dec 1), both fixtures promise high intensity and local pride on the line. 

From everyone at the Mills Albert Wellington Saints: huge congratulations to Shea, Izayah and Tohi on their Tall Blacks call-ups, and a respectful nod to Nick Kay and the Boomers. If you can, get along to TSB Arena on December 1 to see national-team caliber basketball live, it’s a great chance to cheer on players with strong Saints connections on the biggest stage.

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