Joe Ahie

Career highlight: My career highlight would have to be representing New Zealand at the FIBA U18 Oceania Champs in Guam last year. The boys and I placed second meaning we advanced to the U19 Asia champs in Thailand. It was an honour to put on the black and white for the first time and I'm looking forward to doing it again.

How did you get into your sport? I got into the sport from a young age by playing mini ball for my primary school. I was invited to trial for the U13 Wellington rep team by a friend and I guess the rest is history.

What do you love about the sport? The thing I love about basketball is that every single play pushes you right to your limit, and every single player can make a difference to the outcome of the game. I also love the brotherhood that is created between teammates and the lifelong relationships you build through the sport.

What inspires you? The thing that inspires me the most is probably my parents. They have always strived to be the best they can possibly be and have instilled that into me throughout my childhood. I'm also inspired by the heart that New Zealanders seem to have in everything we do. It's crazy that for such a small nation we could be so successful in sports, arts, and academics and it makes me feel proud to come from here.