Two Wisconsin basketball commits to represent New Zealand at 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup

A pair of Wisconsin basketball commits are set to represent New Zealand at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland, this summer.

Class of 2026 shooting guard Jackson Ball and class of 2025 signee Hayden Jones will suit up for New Zealand's 12-man roster from June 28 to July 6 for an opportunity to clinch a gold medal for their country.Jones, who committed to Wisconsin's program on July 25, 2024, suited up for New Zealand at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey.

There, he averaged nearly 12 points per game as the fourth-youngest player to debut for the senior national team.

Jones and company fell to the United States, which rostered players such as Cameron Boozer and A.J.

Dybantsa.The 6-foot-7 guard has also suited up for the Nelson Giants in the New Zealand National Basketball League for the past two seasons, plus previously registered 12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists for New Zealand during its runner-up finish at the 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Championship in Qatar.Ball, who announced his pledge to Greg Gard's program on March 3, also laced up for New Zealand in the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup.

At 6 feet, 4 inches, the 2026 prospect has showcased his offensive prowess for the Hawke's Bay Hawks in the NBL this spring, averaging over 22 points off 54.7% shooting from the field in 13 games through May 19.New Zealand announces their 12 man roster for the FIBA U19 WCOscar Goodman - Michigan Julius Halaifonua - GeorgetownJackson Ball - WisconsinTama Isaac - UC IrvineCarter Hopoi - ValpoHayden Jones - WisconsinTroy Plumtree - Cal PolyJackson Kiss - Utah PrepKahu Treacher -...

pic.twitter.com/DDNK8XCyXe nbadraftpoint (@nbadraftpoint) May 16, 2025Jones and Ball join notable college signees on New Zealand's 2025 squad, such as Oscar Goodman (Michigan), Julius Halaifonua (Georgetown) and Tama Isaac (UC Irvine), an indication of how significant international basketball recruiting has become in the sport's landscape.The experience for both Ball and Jones is certainly encouraging for Badger fans.

The development and professional exposure should prepare the duo even more for what they will encounter in the United States, regardless of where New Zealand places in the circuit.Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinionThis article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin commits Jackson Ball, Hayden Jones on U19 World Cup team.

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