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Sam Waardenburg Struggles in Last Three Games in FIBU Under 19s

By Alan Rubenstein

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 10: Finn Delany of the Breakers throws down a dunk during the round 19 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and Melbourne United at North Shore Events Centre on February 10, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 10: Finn Delany of the Breakers throws down a dunk during the round 19 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and Melbourne United at North Shore Events Centre on February 10, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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Miami Basketball freshman Sam Waardenburg struggled in New Zealand’s last three games in the FIBA Under 19s World Cup in Cairo, Egypt. In spite of his subpar play, the Tall Blacks won two of their last three games and finished 11th.

The FIBA Under 19s gave Waardenburg a chance to compete against other World Class players ahead of his Freshman season at Miami. His teammate on New Zealand Tai Wynyard plays for Kentucky.

Waardenburg ended the seven game tournament averaging 10.4 points per game, seven rebounds and three assists. He shot 42.9 percent from the floor, just 56.7 percent from the free throw line and made just two of his 13 three-point attempts.

Waardenburg struggled in New Zealand’s final three games of the tournament. In games against Mali, Puerto Rico and Egypt. Waardenburg averaged 8.5 points and five rebounds.

His toughest game was the Tall Blacks win over Mali in the quarterfinals of the consolation round. Waardenburg played just ten minutes and contributed only two points and one rebound.

Waardenburg improved a bit as New Zealand split their final games against Puerto Rico and host Egypt over the weekend. The 6’10 forward scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the two games as NZ finished 11th in the Under 19 World Cup.

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    • Waardenburg played well on the boards in the Fiba Under 19s. He had at least seven rebounds in five of New Zealand’s seven games. Widely regarded as a stretch four by Miami coach Jim Larranaga, Waardenburg’s struggle shooting the ball in the tournament has to be a concern.

    Larranaga had mentioned this spring after the season was over that Miami would be looking for a transfer big man that would be eligible immediately. The preference was for a stretch four.

    The Hurricanes were never able to land that player. Now in addition to Waardenburg, Miami will likely have to rely on a front line largely made up of players that can shoot from mid range at best or are more traditional post players.

    Rodney Miller, Dewan Huell, Ebuka Izundu and incoming freshman Deng Gak are not outstanding shooters. Huell and Izundu are the only two players with significant experience. Gak could be a candidate for a redshirt season.

    Next: Should Miami Basketball Be Concerned With 2018 Recruiting Class?

    If Larranaga wants to go small, Anthony Lawrence is a possibility at the four or maybe even the five with a micro lineup. The likely starting front court will be Huell at the five and Lawrence at the four. Izundu should be the first big man off the bench.

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