Kiwi Hoopers

Davy Chen

@Kiwihoopers is dedicated to highlighting the achievements of New Zealand student-athletes, especially those competing in U.S. colleges. Our posts aim to bring attention to these athletes, particularly because mainstream media in New Zealand often overlooks them. The focus is on showcasing their hard work, success, and behind-the-scenes moments, all with a clear passion for supporting New Zealanders excelling in the competitive world of U.S. college basketball. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/davy-chen/subscribe

  1. 🏀 BETTER WORK STORIES WITH PAUL HENARE || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    12/04/2025

    🏀 BETTER WORK STORIES WITH PAUL HENARE || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    Kiwihoopers S4E7🏀 There is a lot to unpack in this episode. One thing is for sure: so many gems 💎 He has worn the black singlet as a player and as a head coach, stood on Olympic courts, and now leads a professional team in Japan. We get to sit down with New Zealand basketball legend Paul Henare.With 129 appearances for the Tall Blacks, Henare was a cornerstone of the national team for nearly a decade, competing at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games and helping secure a historic fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIBA World Cup. His domestic career is equally storied, featuring multiple NZNBL championships. Now, as the assistant coach of the Nagasaki Velca in Japan's top-tier B.League, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from Napier Boys' High School to the global stage.In this in-depth conversation, we explore:* His transition from a record-setting point guard to a successful head coach.* Paul's coaching gems * The realities of coaching professionally in Japan's B.League and the cultural exchange it involves.* His philosophy on coaching and team culture.* Reflections on New Zealand basketball's past, present, and future.🔔 Subscribe to Kiwihoopers!Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an interview with the Kiwi athletes shaping the game worldwide: https://www.youtube.com/@kiwihoopers⏱ Video Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & His FIBA coaching videos01:31 - In Phil Jone's words & the Tall Blacks teammate that had Paul's back03:23 - Paul's basketball IQ and his coaches04:55 - Paul's coaching lessons and advice05:50 - Paul's Non-negotiables for his team07:01 - Transition from head coach to his new role in the Japan B league 08:45 - Challenges of coaching in another language / How to overcome them10:46 - Yuki Kawamura11:36 - Japanese basketball culture and its challenges 13:07 - Paul's Olympics and FIBA world champion memories 16:57 - Kiwis in NCAA and the future of NZ basketball18:41 - Paul's relationship with Kevin Braswell22:22 - Jackson Henare's story28:11 - Playing against Yao Ming 30:16 - The crazy story involving some NBA legends that has never been told31:51 - Reality of being a high-level international basketball coach 38:50 - The importance of taking care of your body40:02 - Behind every great man, there is a ...40:50 - Questions from our last guests44:39 - Paul's question led to the Origin of Kiwihoopers 💬 Join the Kiwi Hoops Whānau:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiwihoopers* Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/kiwihoopers* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwihoopers🏀 Tags & Keywords:#PaulHenare #TallBlacks #NZBasketball #BLeague #Japan #BasketballCoach #KiwiHoopers #NewZealand #BasketballInterview #ShimaneSusanooMagic #NBANZ #OlympicBasketball #FIBA #CoachLife

    47 min
  2. KIWI POWER IN PARADISE: INSIDE RAINBOW WAHINE'S KIWI CONNECTION || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    11/26/2025

    KIWI POWER IN PARADISE: INSIDE RAINBOW WAHINE'S KIWI CONNECTION || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    Kiwihoopers S4E6🏀They've travelled from Auckland, New Zealand, to Honolulu, Hawai'i, to make their mark in NCAA basketball. In this exclusive Kiwihoopers interview, we sit down with the three Kiwi stars of the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine women's basketball team: Rebecca Moors, Ritorya Tamilo and Bailey Flavell.Get the inside story from the Sophomore Center and 2025 Big West Freshman of the Year, Ritorya Tamilo, who set a freshman record with 41 blocked shots last season . Hear from Freshman Guard Bailey Flavell on what it was like to hit the game-winning shot against Loyola Marymount to keep the Wahine undefeated . And learn from Sophomore Forward Rebecca Moors, a former National Championships MVP from Westlake Girls High School, about her journey to the islands .The Rainbow Wahine are off to a perfect 4-0 start this season . Dive deep with us into the unique Kiwi culture they've built within the team.👉 In this in-depth interview, we cover:- The transition from New Zealand high school basketball to NCAA Division I.- The experience of being a Kiwi student-athlete living in Hawai'i.🔔 Subscribe to Kiwihoopers!Don't miss an episode of the journey. Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon: https://www.youtube.com/@Kiwihoopers💬 Join the Kiwi Hoops Whānau:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiwihoopersTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/kiwihoopersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwihoopers🏀 Relevant Tags & Keywords:#RainbowWahine #UniversityOfHawaii #NCAAWBB #WomensBasketball #KiwiHoopers #NewZealandBasketball #BaileyFlavell #RitoryaTamilo #RebeccaMoors #BigWest #HawaiiBasketball #KiwiInUSA #MBB #NCAA #BasketballInterview #TallFerns #JuniorTallFernsSupport us by giving us a 5-star rating on your favourite podcast platform. Disclaimer: All information on kiwihoopers.com and this video are subject to change anytime without public notifications. All the information available on kiwihoopers.com and in this video are for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website and watching this video you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and kiwihoopers.com publisher. The kiwihoopers.com and this video should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state or country. Please contact your local attorney for legal advice.SEND US YOUR VIDEOVISIT: KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    23 min
  3. THE CROSS-COUNTRY GAME: LILLY PARKE'S JOURNEY || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    11/19/2025

    THE CROSS-COUNTRY GAME: LILLY PARKE'S JOURNEY || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    Kiwihoopers S4E5 🏀In this Season 4 episode of Kiwihoopers, we sit down with Lilly Parke, the determined guard/forward for the FDU Knights. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, and a standout alum of Castle View High School, Lilly's unique journey saw her develop her game at Auburn University at Montgomery before making the leap to the NCAA D1 Northeast Conference (NEC).This in-depth interview explores the reality of the college basketball grind. Lilly opens up about her experiences, the mental and physical demands of the game.👉 In this interview, we cover:- The transition from AUM (NAIA) to FDU (NCAA D1) and adapting to a new level of play.- How she chose to skip the transfer portal last season- How focusing on health and wellness has become a cornerstone of her athletic performance and personal life.- Her experience with Tall Ferns in Japan, representing her country on the international stage.🔔 Subscribe to Kiwihoopers!Don't miss an episode of the journey. Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon → https://www.youtube.com/@Kiwihoopers📲 Follow Lilly's Journey:FDU Knights Roster: https://fduknights.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/lilly-parke/7806⏱ Video Timestamps:00:42 - Meet Lilly Parke01:36 - Coaching by Dad in High School03:03 - Winning MVP of Steven Adams Invitational 03:38 - Test run of American Basketball experience in CO.04:42 - Overcome at a school that is not suitable (NAIA)05:44 - How she ended up in an NCAA D1 school?07:13 - NCAA D1 shock and what it takes to play08:00 - Why she chose to stay with FDU?08:51 - Playing against Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers (UCON) Aziz Fudd (UCON09:58 - Travelling across USA with Lilly10:57 - Tall Ferns Japan Tour11:39 - Lilly's fear and how she overcame it; Plus other personal questions13:49 - Lilly's questions to Lilly14:49 - Davy's NZ women's Starting 5: NCAA Kiwihoopers Edition💬 Join the Kiwi Hoops Whānau:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiwihoopersTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/kiwihoopersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwihoopers#FDUKnights #NCAAWBB #WomensBasketball #BasketballInterview #TransferPortal #CollegeBasketball #CastleViewHighSchool #AUM #NEC #HealthAndWellness #USABasketball #KiwiHoopers #BasketballJourney #NCAASupport us by giving us a 5-star rating on your favourite podcast platform. Disclaimer: All information on kiwihoopers.com and this video are subject to change anytime without public notifications. All the information available on kiwihoopers.com and in this video are for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website and watching this video you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and kiwihoopers.com publisher. The kiwihoopers.com and this video should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state or country. Please contact your local attorney for legal advice.SEND US YOUR VIDEOVISIT: KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    17 min
  4. MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    11/05/2025

    MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    In this brand-new episode of Kiwihoopers, we sit down with Lilly Taulelei, the 6'3" Center/Forward for the Iowa State Cyclones, who's making her mark in the New Zealand basketball history!Born in LA and growing up in Wellington, New Zealand, Lilly's path to Division I basketball is unique. Before joining Iowa State, she was a contracted player with the Tokomanawa Queens and made history as the first female in New Zealand basketball history to be selected for the Jr. NBA Global Championship, where she was named captain of the Asia Pacific Team. We dive deep into her journey, from her high school days at Queen Margaret College to her freshman season at UMass and her current role with the Cyclones.👉 In this in-depth interview, we cover:- Her transition from New Zealand basketball to the NCAA and her experience in the transfer portal.- Her unique mindset and training against one of the best centres in the NCAA daily- Her experience playing for the Jr. NBA Global Championship- Took a moment to share her unique bond with her late grandad 🔔 Subscribe to Kiwihoopers!Want more stories of Kiwi ballers taking on the world? Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an interview: https://www.youtube.com/@Kiwihoopers📲 Follow Lilly's Journey:Iowa State Roster: https://cyclones.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/lilly-taulelei/1💬 Join the Kiwi Hoops Whānau:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiwihoopersTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/kiwihoopersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwihoopers🏀 Relevant Tags & Keywords:#LillyTaulelei #IowaStateCyclones #NCAAWBB #Big12 #KiwiHoopers #NewZealandBasketball #WomensBasketball #NCAA #TallFerns #JrNBA #Wellington #BasketballInterview #CollegeBasketball #MāoriInBasketballSupport us by giving us a 5-star rating on your favourite podcast platform. Disclaimer: All information on kiwihoopers.com and this video are subject to change anytime without public notifications. All the information available on kiwihoopers.com and in this video are for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website and watching this video you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and kiwihoopers.com publisher. The kiwihoopers.com and this video should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state or country. Please contact your local attorney for legal advice.SEND US YOUR VIDEOVISIT: KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    29 min
  5. 3 TIME NZ NATIONAL CHAMP: ZENTHIA STOWERS || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    10/29/2025

    3 TIME NZ NATIONAL CHAMP: ZENTHIA STOWERS || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    In this brand-new episode of Kiwihoopers, we sit down with Zenthia Stowers, the 6'0" freshman forward from Auckland, New Zealand, who is now making her mark with the Marshall University Thundering Herd!Before arriving in the NCAA, Zenthia was already building an impressive resume. She's a product of the legendary Westlake Girls High School program, which won three-consecutive secondary schools national championships 🏆 . She also earned the honor of making five appearances for the New Zealand U18 National Team, representing her country on the international stage.👉 In this in-depth interview, we cover:- Her transition from the winning culture of Westlake to the competitive world of NCAA Division I basketball.- The experience of representing Aotearoa with the U18 National Team.- What it's like to be a Kiwi student-athlete adapting to life in the United States.- Her personal and athletic goals for her freshman season with the Thundering Herd.- The mindset she brings to the court as a versatile forward.🔔 Subscribe to Kiwihoopers!Want more stories of Kiwi ballers taking on the world? Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an interview: https://www.youtube.com/@kiwihoopers📲 Follow Zenthia's Journey:Marshall University Roster: https://herdzone.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zenthia-stowers/10729 💬 Join the Kiwi Hoops Whānau:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiwihoopersTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/kiwihoopersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwihoopers🏀 Relevant Tags & Keywords:#ZenthiaStowers #MarshallBasketball #NCAAW #KiwiHoopers #NewZealandBasketball #WomensBasketball #NCAA #MarshallThunderingHerd #BasketballInterview #TallFerns #WestlakeGirlsHS #Auckland #CollegeBasketballSupport us by giving us a 5-star rating on your favourite podcast platform. Disclaimer: All information on kiwihoopers.com and this video are subject to change anytime without public notifications. All the information available on kiwihoopers.com and in this video are for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website and watching this video you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and kiwihoopers.com publisher. The kiwihoopers.com and this video should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state or country. Please contact your local attorney for legal advice.SEND US YOUR VIDEOVISIT: KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    16 min
  6. UNFILTERED WITH CARLIN DAVISON || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    10/22/2025

    UNFILTERED WITH CARLIN DAVISON || KIWIHOOPERS.COM

    In this episode of Kiwi Hoopers, we sit down with Carlin Davison, the high-flying forward for the New Zealand Breakers and a standout for the Taranaki Airs in the Sal's NBL. Fresh off a career year where he was named to the 2025 Sal's NBL All Star Five and won the Stan Hill Trophy for Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre, Carlin opens up about his journey and his game.We dive deep into his breakout 2025 season with the Taranaki Airs, where he averaged 18.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. He also talks about his evolving role with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL and what it means to represent the New Zealand National Team on the international stage. Also, shoutout to a few of his teammates who helped him along the way.🔑 In this interview, we cover:* His reaction to being drafted in NBA G-League International Draft 2025.* The experience of being an athletic, slashing forward and his development path.* Goals for the upcoming season with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL.* The pride of playing for the Tall Blacks, the New Zealand national team.* His personal mindset and work ethic are driving his success.📊 Follow Carlin's Journey:* New Zealand Breakers Player Profile: https://www.nbl.com.au/players/carlin-davison/* Sal's NBL 2025 Awards: https://nznbl.basketball/awards2025/⏱️ Timestamps:0:26 - Being drafted by NBA G-League Team Portland Remix
1:05 - NZ Breakers 2025 Season
2:10 - Representing Aotearoa and Difference between international competitions
3:12 - Being the “glue guy” beyond the stat sheets 
5:00 - Shoutout to Jordan Ngatai, Shea Ili, Tohi Smith-Milner, Reuben Te Rangi
06:14 - Different role with NZ Breakers 07:35 - Dillon Bucher is BACK! 08:15 - Carlin’s escape 09:22 - Overcoming a fear10:12 - Getting personal with CD11:55 - Question from our last guest (Walter Brown)13:50 - Carlin’s questions for Kiwihoopers🔔 Subscribe to Kiwi Hoopers!Don't miss an episode of the journey. Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon → https://www.youtube.com/@Kiwihoopers💬 Join the Kiwi Hoops Whānau:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiwihoopers* Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kiwihoopers* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwihoopers🏀 Tags:#CarlinDavison #NewZealandBreakers #NBL #NZBasketball #TallBlacks #KiwiHoopers #BasketballInterview #SalNBL #TaranakiAirs #NewPlymouth #Basketball #NBA #NBATipOff

    16 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

@Kiwihoopers is dedicated to highlighting the achievements of New Zealand student-athletes, especially those competing in U.S. colleges. Our posts aim to bring attention to these athletes, particularly because mainstream media in New Zealand often overlooks them. The focus is on showcasing their hard work, success, and behind-the-scenes moments, all with a clear passion for supporting New Zealanders excelling in the competitive world of U.S. college basketball. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/davy-chen/subscribe