The Tall Blacks have been dealt another blow ahead of their World Cup campaign with news that injury has ruled Reuben Te Rangi out of the tournament.
The Wellington Saints guard hurt his knee playing during the NBL semi-final against the Southland Sharks and further tests have revealed cartilage damage that will require immediate surgery and a six-week recovery.
Te Rangi's withdrawal comes just days after talismanic captain Mike Vukona fell victim to his own knee injury to be forced out of the Cup.
Coach Paul Henare lamented the loss of Te Rangi's loss both on court and simply as a member of the squad.
- Tall Blacks lose captain Vukona for World Cup
- Breakers announce new head coach for departing Braswell
"This is the second phone call of this nature this week and it is two phone calls too many," said Henare. "Reuben is devastated and will take some time to come to terms with missing out on what would have been his first World Cup.
"We have lost another one of our leaders. Reuben’s development over the past few years has been immense and his role in this group was without question. His greatest strength has been his versatility and ability to contribute at both ends of the floor, we are going to miss his presence for sure in China."
The versatile 24-year-old starred for the champion Saints during their championship winning run in the NBL and was understandably crestfallen to discover he'd be unable to carry that momentum with him into a black singlet.
"I am still a bit lost for words to be honest," said Te Rangi. "I did not see this coming and with it being so close to flying into the camp, it is even harder to take.
"This team and singlet means so much to me and after all the hard work over two years in qualifying, it is a really tough thing to come to terms with. I will be right behind the boys and I know they will give their all in China, but right now I am not going to lie, this hurts."
Te Rangi will undergo surgery in Brisbane this week and is expected to be fit and ready to go for the start of the 2019/20 ANBL season with the Bullets.
The Tall Blacks have been drawn in a tough group for the tournament, which begins August 31, that includes Greece, Brazil and Montenegro.
Currently assembled for a selection camp in Auckland, the extended squad will be cut to 14 for a warm-up tour and then 12 for the World Cup itself.
Newshub.
