Exclusive Interview – Carter Hopoi (NZL |Valparaiso Commit | 6’9” | Class of 2025)
We’re excited to sit down with Carter Hopoi today for an exclusive Q&A. A talented late bloomer from New Zealand, Carter has become a rising star in the basketball world with his high-level athleticism and versatile game. Known for his ability to shoot off the catch, attack from the perimeter, and create at the rim, Carter has consistently showcased his dynamic skill set both in local competitions and on the international stage.
This 2024-25 season with Whai in the NZ NBL has been a breakout year for him, with impressive averages of 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His stats reflect a player who’s ready for the next challenge—and that challenge will come in 2025, when he heads stateside to join the Valparaiso University basketball team. Carter’s commitment to Valparaiso is a significant step in his journey as he continues to develop his game at the collegiate level.
Before making the jump to the NCAA, Carter has already earned accolades on the international stage, including silver medals at both the U17 Oceania Championship and the 2024 U18 Asia Championship, where he posted standout performances, averaging 17 points and over 10 rebounds per game.
Today, we’ll discuss his journey from New Zealand to the United States, what excites him about playing in the NCAA, and what motivates him to keep growing as a player. Let’s dive into the conversation with Carter Hopoi!
Early Journey & Growth
1. Growing up in New Zealand, what was your first introduction to basketball—and when did you realize you had the potential to take it to the international level?
My dad used to play professionally so the sport has always been apart of my life but I didn’t start playing until I was 13. Not until last year probably after a few good performances for my national age group team.
2. At 6'9", your size gives you a natural edge, but what part of your game did you have to work hardest on early in your development?
I’ve always had to work on my ball handling and shooting, as it was important for me because I didn’t want to play the traditional big/centre.
International & National Team Experience
3. You’ve represented New Zealand at both youth and senior levels. How did it feel putting on that Tall Blacks jersey for the first time?
Hard to describe after working hard for so long, so I guess it was a mix of excitement, relief, and nerves.
4. What was the biggest adjustment moving from youth competitions like the FIBA U18 Asia Cup to competing with the senior national team in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers?
Definitely the physicality, throughout the age groups this becomes more apparent especially when you are the young one the adults can target.
5. In the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, you averaged 17 points and 10.3 rebounds over 6 games—how did you prepare for that tournament, and what clicked for you during the run?
Just training a lot and focusing on what advice the coaches gave me at previous games/tournaments. After a few players couldn’t attend I got more of the load so just staying aggressive throughout and not backing down helped a lot.
6. You’re off to a strong start with Whai in the NZ NBL—averaging over 15 points and 9 rebounds per game. What’s been the biggest key to your early success at the pro level?
Just staying aggressive, good things happen when I play like this so I focus on doing it all the time and also making the right reads when in a decision making position.
7. Playing in the NZ NBL and still being only 18, what kind of feedback are you getting from coaches and vets around you—and how are you applying it in real time?
I’m at level where I’m getting a lot of advice on the finer details, whenever I make a mistake or even the right play my teammates can always give me something I could’ve done better or some else I could pass the ball to etc.
Skillset & Mental Game
8. As a versatile big, how would you describe your playing style—more traditional post, stretch big, or a modern hybrid?
I think of my self as more of a hybrid, being able to play around the rim and above it but also handling the ball when I need to and being able to shoot from three point range.
9. Rebounding seems to be a strength of yours. Is that more about instincts, positioning, or hustle—and how do you train that part of your game?
I’d say it’s a mix of all of the above, and I don’t train for it but work on it when we scrimmage at practice.
Goals & Aspirations
10. What are your goals for the next 2–3 years—both with the national team and your individual basketball journey?
My short term goal is to play well in the NBL and hopefully the u19 World Cup coming up, but in the future I hope to play well in college and try to secure a spot on the TB squad.
11. Are you exploring opportunities to play professionally overseas or pursue a college path in the U.S.? If so, what are you looking for in a program or team environment?
I have just committed to Valparaiso University so I’m excited for that opportunity.
12. Long term, how do you envision your role evolving on the national team—and what do you want to bring to the next generation of NZL hoops?
Hope to be more than just one that sits on the bench and be able to impact games at that level. I want to bring hope for the next generation, I know it’s hard coming from such a small country but if I go and play at as high of a level as I can hopefully it shows it is possible.
Personal Side & Mentality
13. How do you balance the pressure of performing on big stages at a young age while still developing and staying grounded?
At this stage I have grown quite used to the pressure, I used to get nervous but it has slowly gone away the more I play in these environments, just always thinking that I can be better.
14. What’s something people don’t know about you off the court—any hobbies, routines, or passions that help you recharge?
In season,
there isn’t much off time so just bring at home and relaxing can help recharge, I go swimming sometimes and if I stay at home I play on my PlayStation.
15. Do you have a pre-game ritual or mindset routine before stepping onto the court, especially in high-stakes games?
Maybe just listening to music but nothing in particular.
16. Favorite NBA player right now?
I don’t have one right now.
17. Go-to hype song before a big game?
Tv off - Kendrick Lamar