Two Wisconsin basketball commits are poised to represent New Zealand at the FIBA U19 World Cup. Taking place this summer in Switzerland, the week-long tournament will highlight some of the best young talent from around the world.
Hayden Jones, a 2025 Badgers commit, and Jackson Ball, from the 2026 class, have both earned spots on New Zealand’s 12-man roster.
Two Badger commits will headline a loaded New Zealand World Cup roster.
Jones and Ball are both highly touted recruits, enjoying standout seasons in the New Zealand basketball league. Jones is averaging 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 21 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Ball has been lighting up the league, posting 22.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 34 minutes per game while shooting nearly 55% from the field.
Now, the duo will join forces to make a run at the FIBA U19 World Cup. Although the US roster has yet to be announced, they’ll likely enter as favorites. Still, having two Badger commits on the same World Cup roster is a notable achievement.
Greg Gard and the Badgers coaching staff have been aggressively recruiting internationally in recent cycles. Alongside Jones and Ball, and last season’s Riccardo Greppi, Wisconsin also boasts a 2025 commitment from Lithuanian prospect Aleksas Bieliauskas. International recruiting, often more transactional due to these players’ early professional experience, can be simpler than traditional recruiting. Expect Gard and his staff to continue tapping into overseas talent in future classes.
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