Steven Adams reveals a lack of loyalty to Basketball New Zealand in a new book

Steven Adams said he "did not feel a great sense of loyalty" to Basketball New Zealand because it remains uncapped at the international level.

The Oklahoma City Thunder Center has long been the subject of speculation about why it's not in its new book, My Life, My Fight Adams reveals his problems with age group teams and the national organization in its early days has a lot to do with his absence.

AP

Steven Adams feels loyal to Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder, more than the Tall Blacks

"It probably does not help me that I do not feel a great sense of loyalty to Basketball New Zealand," said Adams

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"I like what the current coach of the Tall Blacks, Paul Henare, did with the ############################################################################# 39th team and I'd love to play for him at one point, but I have to be ready. "

Adams said that he did not think he could give it all for the Tall Blacks and play a full NBA season. "

" Some might expect me to be the new Basketball I was doing the opposite, but I was doing the opposite of getting into the ranks of junior national teams.

"Being in a national team is way too expensive for most kids – me included."

Adams was spotted in 2010 at a Tall Blacks youth camp, which he did not have to pay, when coach Kenny McFadden invited Jamie Dixon, the coach of University of Pittsburgh.

The camp helped Adams prepare for his future in the game, he could never play for the team.

"I was obviously pretty good – a national MVP should be able to train the junior national team – but I could not afford

" Represent New Zealand as a youngster athlete costs a lot of money, not only in basketball, but in all sports.

"Being selected for a national age group team to participate in an international tournament would cost" I knew players who went on each trip, at least once a year, because their parents could easily afford to pay for each tournament.

"But there were a lot of players, most of them are brown, some from among them are the best in the country, who have never represented New Zealand because they could not afford to try and travel overseas.

"I hate to think how many guys could have had a career in basketball if we gave them more help (as I did) when they were younger." 59005] Adams says that Whenever he returns to New Zealand, the questions of the Tall Blacks begin and his answer has always been the same.

"Today, no. One day, yes.

"In most sports, representing New Zealand in a black undershirt is the top … but there are some sports … where playing abroad is the ultimate goal.

For basketball, this summit is the NBA, and Adams is fully focused on doing his best in this league.

The Tall Blacks will come, but it's not a priority.

* Steven Adams, My Life, My Fight is published by Penguin and is available for $ 39.99 in all bookstores.

– Tips and Tricks