United Multicultural Stories: Rob Loe

There are few things more meaningful to an athlete than getting to represent their country on the world stage.

This rings true for veteran big-man Rob Loe, who has had the honour of suiting up for the Tall Blacks 90 times across his career.

Born in England, Loe moved to New Zealand when he was four, and despite spending time as a youth kicking another round ball around the backyard, basketball became his passion.

At 17, Loe made his senior debut for the NZ national team. Surrounded by legends like Casey Frank and Mika Vukona, the towering center said the experience helped him grow both personally and professionally.

“It was definitely an eye opener for me,” he explained 

“It helped me really grow my game, just learning from those veterans on that team. It was a long tour, being away for two months, so I was just soaking in everything I could, which was really valuable for my development as a player and as a person.”

Loe would go on to play for his nation at a pair of World Cups, facing off against stars like Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, however his major takeaway from his time wearing the black and silver is the sense of pride he got in playing for New Zealand.

“The overwhelming feeling is pride. Getting to represent the country is huge, for any athlete it’s the pinnacle of sport and getting to do that on the world stage is huge.

“Something special with the Tall Blacks was getting to represent everyone around the sport because it was such a small community.”

Loe will again have the opportunity to represent New Zealand as part of our Multicultural Game this Sunday against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

This will be the second time Loe has played in The Multicultural Game, which he believes is a great way to showcase the diversity of our team and our city as a whole.

“I think it’s awesome. It starts from the top of the club and goes all the way down. 

“Even our team has so many different cultures and people from different countries and backgrounds, and it’s awesome to get to represent that and welcome everyone from the community into our environment.”

Tickets to The Multicultural Game remain available here, while The Multicultural Festival is free for all.

Fans can also tune in live at home on 10 BOLD, or ESPN via Kayo.