Mika VUKONA
#7

Long proclaimed a future star of New Zealand basketball, Vukona realised his potential in stunning fashion in the final game of last year’s FIBA Oceania Championship, recording 25 points on 67 percent shooting to go with 12 rebounds and two blocks as the Tall Blacks secured the Al Ramsay Shield and passage to Turkey as Oceania’s number one team.

At the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Vukona recorded 8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists against the very tough Greek team, whose physical style of play he relished.

Fijian born, Vukona is one of the toughest and most athletic players in the Australian NBL, where he averaged 7ppg and 6rpg game last season, helping the Gold Coast Blaze to their first semi final appearance.

An NBL championship winner with the South Dragons in 2009, Vukona delights in doing the dirty work for his star teammates, so expect him to be setting screens for the likes of Kirk Penney and Phill Jones all throughout the FIBA World Championship.