The 7-footer helped New Zealand win fourth place in the international tournament
Fans of the Georgetown Hoyas think they know Julius Halaifonua pretty well, despite his injury, but whether even the most faithful diehards could predict that Julius would be balling this summer is hard to tell. The starting center for New Zealand turned in some solid performances and showed off his efficiency. Heads are starting to turn.
Georgetown Center Julius Halaifonua averaged 10.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 1.6 BPG in 19.3 MPG over 7 games (4-3) for the fourth-placed New Zealand squad https://t.co/RTdrEB3LN8 pic.twitter.com/ND2Ay82yha
— Philadelphia Hoyas (@PhillyHoyas) July 8, 2025
Halaifonua averaged 10.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 1.6 BPG in 19.3 MPG over 7 games (4-3) for the fourth-placed New Zealand squad. The Kiwis finished behind the USA, Germany, and Slovenia.
In case you had not heard, Ed Cooley made the trip.
Excited to be here in Switzerland supporting our guy Julius as he plays for New Zealand at the FIBA U19 World Cup! pic.twitter.com/0l4pCsgXln
— Ed Cooley (@HoyaCoachCooley) July 2, 2025
Our friends over at the Finger WAG offer a nice breakdown of Juilius’ work in Switzerland.
The hype is real following Julius Halaifonua’s #FIBAU19 run.
We’re filling the Kenner League (RIP) sized hole in our hearts with a full breakdown of Julius’ play vs. a talented USA squad.
Spoiler Alert: NZ got rocked, but Julius excelled.https://t.co/h3fBH0hDwt#JuliusSzn is…
— The Finger WAG (@FingerWAGHoyas) July 8, 2025
Here are some other tweets:
Play for Ed Cooley’s Georgetown Hoyas and you can lead your country to its all time best FIBA U19 World Cup performance. Especially when equipped with the size, skills, and vision of Julius Halaifonua.
DC is our training ground but the WORLD is our arena. #HOYASAXA pic.twitter.com/So3DgpXziL
— DSR Enjoyer (@DSREnjoyer1) July 7, 2025
Julius Halaifonua ( , ’06 – 7’0″, C) displayed his efficiency in the paint and his accuracy at the free throw line, scoring 16 points with 4/6 FG + 8/10 FT.
The Hoyas commit added 5 rebounds, 5 blocks, 4 assists and 27 PIR to close his #FIBAU19 campaign! pic.twitter.com/JT8vJ3CIJI
— Edoardo Pollero (@Loppe_V) July 6, 2025
Julius Halaifonua finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 5 blocks in New Zealand’s game against Slovenia.
4-6 FG
8-10 FT #Hoyas | #FIBAU19 pic.twitter.com/wY26RZP9f4— Patrick Waring (@WaringPatrick) July 6, 2025
Julius Halaifonua = what we hoped Tai Wynyard would be. Plus some touch. Loved his size defensively in this tournament. Skillset incredibly tantalising but will have to get better in pick and roll on both ends to maximise his potential as a pro.
Xanda Marsters = Everard Bartlett
— Sam Garriock (@Sam_Garriock) July 6, 2025
Julius Halaifonua had 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks in New Zealand’s game against USA in the Semifinals.
7-14 FG
1-2 FTNew Zealand will play for the Bronze tomorrow. #Hoyas | #FIBAU19 pic.twitter.com/v5HdEbqdhn
— Patrick Waring (@WaringPatrick) July 5, 2025
New Zealand had a great run in U19 FIBA World Cup. Georgetown Center Julius Halaifonua was a huge part of NZL’s success. In the 3rd place game Julius put up an incredible stat line despite the loss:
16 Pts
3 Asts
5 Rebs
5 Blks
80% FG %Let’s go @HalaifonuaJ pic.twitter.com/jIa8vQJVey
— Big East Hoyas (@BigEastHoyas) July 6, 2025
Solid work, Julius! There’s more to be done! Hoya Saxa!