Helping Phil Hoop

With encouragement from friends, whānau and our basketball community, this page simply gives people a way to support Phil if they choose with no pressure.

Phil grew his love of basketball through Geelong United and local clubs, learning the values and what it means to show up every day. His journey took an incredible turn when he was selected by New Zealand Basketball, representing the NZ Junior Tall Blacks in Samoa in 2025 and winning gold in a historic (and bittersweet) final against his Aussie mates. He’s now been selected again to rep NZ at the Albert Schweitzer Cup in Germany (April 2026), with further international opportunities ahead including Asia Cup 2026 and beyond.

The reality behind these opportunities and living in Australia while playing for NZ means limited access to sports funding. Overall, pathway basketball is largely self‑funded, covering registrations, uniforms, shoes, travel, flights, accommodation and tournament fees

Phil is 18, stepping into men’s basketball across Australia and New Zealand, and continuing to push toward his goal of playing at a professional level.

Just as important to Phil as chasing his own dreams is giving back. He’s passionate about being a positive role model and hopes one day to pay it forward to the next generation of basketballers.

Thanks for reading, sharing, or supporting in any way 🤍