POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center
Naiki Iorss (193-C-86) was the starting center of the Tahiti women during the FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament. The tahitians finished at the 6th place, Naiki made a good tournament despite the lack of competition before leaving to New Zealand. She spoke with the reporter there about her experience.
Source: Basketball New Zealand
Iorss was a member of the Tahiti U20 team in the FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament. She averaged 6.2pts 6.3rbs and 1.3bs per game but thanks to her 190-cm frame she was voted in the Oceania All-Star Team. Unfortunatly, you can't play pro in Tahiti and Naiki had to find an ordinary work. She's still playing with her club, Excelsior, and won the 2005 Pacific Champions Cup. This year she was not supposed to be a part of the U20 team but the coach really needed her height (she gained 3cm since two years). Despite the lack of competition she averaged 11.2pts 9.5rbs and 1.0bs during the 2006 Youth Tournament.
Naiki Iorss
193cm Center
Born in 1986
Team: Excelsior
Member of the Tahiti U20 team since 2004
You were on the All-Star team at the last tournament, but you weren't on the roster this time... why not?
I was working and could not go to training
So how come you're here?
(Her teamate Ellein Crawley answered) We needed a tall player
So they let you come even though you weren't coming to practice?
Yes
How many Oceania Youth have you been now?
This is my second
What has been the highlight of your week?
Our game against New Caledonia. Even though we lost, we played a really good game... it was the first time we felt like a team.
What about off the court!? You were out there coaching in some of the clinics...
I love coaching the children
You are very tall ... how tall?
1.93m
Are there many tall women in Tahiti?
No
Do you have any relatives in New Zealand? Maybe you can come play for us...
No (laughs)
