Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (198-G/F-2001, college: UCSD) is a 24 year old 198cm forward from New Zealand playing his rookie season overseas with Valmiera Glass/Vidzemes Augstskola (Latvia-LBL). He began his basketball career at St Patricks College and then played with the Wellington Saints. He then played at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (NCAA2) from 2020-2023 averaging 16.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 68.8%, 17.0ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 73.9% and.6ppg, 9.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 70.1%. He then added 2 more seasons at the University of California at San Diego (NCAA) averaging 14.3ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 72.4%, and 19.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 75.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against German team Weisenfels.

You’re playing your first season with Valmiera Glass/Vidzemes Augstskola (Latvia-LBL). As a guy who grew up in New Zealand and lived in Hawaii and California, are you prepared for winter? Lol

Honestly, not really. Growing up in New Zealand and then spending a lot of time in Hawaii and California, I never had to deal with anything close to a Latvian winter. I’ve already been warned about how cold it’s going to get, so I’m layering up and trying to mentally prepare myself. It’s going to be a new experience, that’s for sure.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for Valmiera Glass/Vidzemes Augstskola (Latvia-LBL). What have you enjoyed most about the experience so far?

It’s been an awesome experience so far. Everyone at the club has been welcoming and supportive, which makes the transition overseas a lot easier. The fans here in Valmiera are great too, they bring a lot of energy to the games.

You had an incredible career in the NCAA2 and in the NCAA, were All Big West Player of the Year. With what kind of expectations are you going into the season?

I expect to keep growing as a player. I don’t want to put a ceiling on myself, I want to contribute as much as I can to help Valmiera win games and also prove that I can play at a high level in Europe. It’s about competing hard every night and showing that I belong here.

You will be traveling playing in the ENBL league. You will face a German team called Weissenfels. What do you know in general about the country Germany and its basketball?

Germany has a strong basketball culture. They’ve developed a lot of talent, and right now they’re world champions, so that says a lot. I’m excited to see that level of competition.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I’d say maybe someone like Gordon Hayward when he was in his prime. A versatile forward who can create, rebound, and defend multiple positions. I like to impact the game in different ways, not just scoring.

You’re a player that can do so much. Is versatility your bread and butter?

Definitely. I’ve always prided myself on being versatile. Whether it’s defending, playmaking, rebounding, or scoring, I want to be the type of player who can adjust to what the team needs in the moment.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. How would you classify the development of your three pointer at the moment? What steps do you want to make?

It’s improving. At UCSD, I had stretches where I was really confident from three, but I know consistency is key. Right now, I’m working a lot on repetition and building that muscle memory so it becomes second nature.

You are so versatile, but do you feel like there is still an aspect of your game that is off the radar?

Yeah, I think my passing. I don’t always get recognized for it, but I really enjoy creating for my teammates. I see myself as more than just a scorer and I want to make the game easier for the guys around me.

How would you classify yourself as a defender now as a rookie overseas? What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I’d say I’m good right now. I can guard multiple positions, but I want to sharpen my on-ball defense against quick guards and improve my reads off the ball. The goal is to be someone the coach can put on the opponent’s best player.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?

Mainly my shooting and strength. The European game is very physical, so I’m focused on building my body up. And like I said, getting my jumper consistent is a big priority.

Last summer you gained experience at the NBA Summer League with the Toronto Raptors. Despite playing only 1 minute in a game what positives could you gain from it?

That was an amazing experience. Just being around NBA players and coaches, seeing the professionalism, the pace, the intensity. It opened my eyes to the level it takes to succeed there. Even in a short time, I learned so much about preparation and mindset.

Before coming to USA you played with the Wellington Saints (NBL). What kind of an experience was that? What positives could you gain there?

Playing for the Saints was special. That’s a winning organization with a lot of history and it gave me my first taste of professional basketball and showed me what it takes to play at that level.

What was it like playing with the ultimate veteran Nick Kay? Was he like a mentor for you?

Nick was awesome. He’s such a professional, and the way he approaches the game is something I really admired. He was definitely a mentor as I learned a lot just from watching how he worked day in and day out.

You played 3 seasons at University of Hawaii at Hilo (NCAA2) averaging 17/8. What kind of a player did you become in these 3 years?

At Hilo, I grew into a leader. It was where I really learned to take responsibility on both ends of the floor. I became a player who could be relied on night in and night out.

What kind of an impact did head coach Kaniela Aiona have on you? What was the most important thing he was able to help you most with your game?

Coach Aiona believed in me from the start. He really helped me with confidence and developing my all-around game. He pushed me to impact the game in every area and lead the team at a young age.

You had so many incredible games there like hitting Dominican CA for 37 points. What was your fondest moment on the court?

That 37-point game was definitely a highlight, but I think the best moments were winning close games with my teammates. Those are the memories that stick the most.

You then played 2 seasons at the University of California at San Diego (NCAA). What kind of new steps did your game take there?

At UCSD, the game got a lot faster and more physical. I had to adjust to a higher level, and it forced me to improve my efficiency and decision-making. I became a much smarter player there.

You received so many special accolades and had so many great games including almost getting a triple double in your first game against Denver and playing against Michigan in the NCAA tournament. What was your fondest moment there?

Playing in the NCAA tournament against Michigan is hard to top. That was a dream come true, and to compete on that stage was something I’ll never forget.

How did head coach Eric Olen give you the needed extra push to help your development the last 2 years?

Coach Olen challenged me every day. He demanded a lot but also gave me the freedom to play my game. That balance helped me grow and take my game to another level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tyler McGhie?

We never actually played a 1-1, just me and him, as we would have a group of about 4 of us who would play post-up 1s. It was fun and games, but I would say I took the most wins.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

Steven Adams. My hometown coach was his coach as well, so definitely him for sure.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

It’s hard to name just five because I’ve been blessed to play with so many great guys, but I’ve made the most memories with Darren Williams, Hayden Gray, Tyler McGhie, Nick Kay, and Junior Waqabaca.

Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan.

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

Yeah, I saw it. The original is such a classic that it’s hard to match. I think they probably should’ve just left it alone, but it was still fun to watch.

Thanks Aniwaniwa for the chat.