Inger ticks off NZ dream

Cairns Taipans development player Brayden Inger says representing New Zealand in last month’s FIBA Asian World Cup Qualifiers was a dream come true.

Inger was with the Tall Blacks for their three wins in the Qualifiers, with the 22-year-old getting on the court in the last victory over India.

“It’s been a dream ever since I was seven,” Inger said of playing for New Zealand.

“One of those dreams where, there are so many good players in New Zealand, so getting the opportunity to put that singlet on and represent the country, do the haka, there is a huge pride and honour.”

Inger has been an important rotational piece for Cairns lately, as the club has been hit by the injury bug.

He believes being in the Taipans’ system has advanced his development onto the national team.

“There’s not many Kiwis playing in this league so I think the dudes who do play over here, they can play. I think that does help in terms of selection,” Inger said.

“Coming in match fit and ready to play was the biggest thing. I have been training over the past five months here against some of the best dudes in Australia and New Zealand.

“Keeping that competitiveness up to carry over and being ready to fight for minutes and more opportunity.”