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Tai Webster
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Tai Webster
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Tai Jack Webster (born 29 May 1995) is a New Zealand professional basketball player for the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). After starting his career in New Zealand, Webster played college basketball for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, earning second-team All-Big Ten as a senior in 2017. He went on to play professionally in Germany and Turkey before having a season with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL in 2020–21. After playing in Lithuania and again in Turkey, he joined the Perth Wildcats in 2023.

Key Information

Early career

[edit]

Webster was born in Auckland, New Zealand,[1] in the suburb of Takapuna.[2] He attended Westlake Boys High School[1] and played for North Harbour Basketball.[citation needed]

Webster joined the Auckland Pirates of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) for the 2012 season, playing two games for a team that won the championship.[3][4][5] He subsequently joined the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian NBL as a non-contracted development player for the 2012–13 NBL season.[6]

In December 2012, Webster signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.[7] He had never heard of Nebraska when he was recruited, but signed with the team anyway.[8]

Webster joined the Waikato Pistons for the 2013 New Zealand NBL season.[9] In 15 games, he averaged 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game.[3]

College career

[edit]

Freshman year

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As a freshman for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2013–14, Webster was an immediate contributor, averaging 3.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 32 games (30 starts) while helping the Huskers reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998. He led Nebraska with 63 assists and was also among the team leaders in steals. Webster reached double figures four times, including a season-high 14 points against Georgia, and paced the squad in assists eight times. His season-best was five assists on three occasions.[1]

Sophomore year

[edit]

As a sophomore in 2014–15, Webster backed up starters Terran Petteway and Shavon Shields. In 30 games (four starts), he averaged 3.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.4 minutes per game.[1] Webster called the season "hugely disappointing" since his work in practice did not translate to higher production than as a freshman.[8]

Junior year

[edit]

As a junior in 2015–16, Webster joined the Nebraska starting lineup. He averaged 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 27.7 minutes per game.

Webster was known by his peers as a, “mouth-watering” athlete, described to have an abundance of female attention for being so good-looking.[8]

Senior year

[edit]
Webster warming up with the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2017

As a senior in 2016–17, Webster averaged 17.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 34.7 minutes per game. Leading up to the NBA draft, many thought Webster could be a "second-round sleeper."[10]

College statistics

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2013–14 Nebraska 32 30 22.8 .304 .171 .619 2.1 2.0 0.8 0.1 3.9
2014–15 Nebraska 30 4 18.4 .358 .231 .737 1.9 1.2 0.7 0.1 3.9
2015–16 Nebraska 34 18 27.7 .474 .350 .740 4.1 1.9 1.4 0.4 10.1
2016–17 Nebraska 31 31 34.7 .421 .294 .744 5.1 4.0 1.4 0.1 17.0
Career 127 83 25.9 .414 .279 .715 3.3 2.3 1.0 0.2 8.8

Professional career

[edit]

After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft, Webster played for the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.[11] He later signed with the Skyliners Frankfurt in Germany for the 2017–18 season.[12] He posted 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in his rookie season.[13]

On 7 August 2018, Webster signed with the Turkish team Galatasaray.[13] He re-signed with Galatasaray on 7 August 2019.[14]

On 15 July 2020, Webster signed a one-year contract with the New Zealand Breakers, returning to the team for a second stint.[15] On 9 April 2021, he was ruled out for four weeks with an Achilles injury.[16] Webster averaged 17.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game during the 2020–21 season.[17]

On 11 July 2021, Webster re-signed with the Breakers on a two-year deal.[18] However, on 20 September 2021, he was released by the Breakers[19] reportedly due to his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine.[20]

On 2 November 2021, Webster signed with Lithuanian team Žalgiris Kaunas for the rest of the 2021–22 season.[21][22]

On 31 July 2022, Webster signed with Petkim Spor of the Turkish Basketball Super League.[23] He was released on 30 December 2022.[24]

On 2 January 2023, Webster signed with the Perth Wildcats in Australia for the rest of the 2022–23 NBL season.[25] He played for the Otago Nuggets during the 2023 New Zealand NBL season.[26]

Webster returned to the Wildcats for the 2023–24 NBL season[27] and averaged 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 0.9 steals per game, while shooting at 46 per cent from the field.[28]

Webster re-joined the Nuggets for the 2024 New Zealand NBL season.[29] On 2 May 2024, he scored a career-high 40 points in a 96–85 loss to the Canterbury Rams.[30][31][32][33]

Webster re-joined the Wildcats for 2024–25 NBL season.[28] He missed five games over the first half of the season and then on 19 December 2024, he was ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.[34][35]

On 6 March 2025, Webster signed with JL Bourg Basket of the French LNB Élite for the rest of the 2024–25 season.[36]

On 2 December 2025, Webster signed with New Zealand Breakers as an injury replacement for Izayah Le'afa.[37][38]

National team career

[edit]

In 2012, Webster represented New Zealand at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 13.5 points per game. He went on to represent New Zealand at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup[39] and the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.[40]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  PIR  Performance index rating
 Bold  Career high

EuroLeague

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG PIR
2021–22 Žalgiris 21 7 12.5 .326 .222 .739 .9 1.6 .3 .1 4.0 2.0
Career 21 7 12.5 .326 .222 .739 .9 1.6 .3 .1 4.0 2.0

Personal life

[edit]

Webster is the son of Tony and Cherry Webster. His father played college basketball for Hawaii and played professionally in New Zealand. His older brother, Corey, also plays professional basketball.[1]

As of January 2024, Webster had a son.[41] In May 2024, he joined his partner in the U.S. ahead of the birth of their child.[42]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tai Webster

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tai Jack Webster (born May 29, 1995) is a professional player who plays as a . Born in , Webster won a New Zealand NBL championship with the Auckland Pirates in his early career and appeared in six games for the as a development player before attending the University of , where he played from 2013 to 2017 and recorded career averages of 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, peaking with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in his senior season. In his professional career, he has competed in the Australian NBL with the , averaging 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 20 games during the 2024-2025 season before signing with JL in 's LNB Pro A league in March 2025, and has also played for the . Webster has represented internationally, including at the and Olympic Qualifying Tournament, contributing averages of 5.3 points and 3.0 assists in play.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Tai Webster was born on May 29, 1995, in , , to parents Cherry and Tony Webster. His father, Tony, played professionally in after a college career at the University of Hawaii, establishing a familial link to competitive . Webster grew up in with his older brother, , who also became a professional player and represented on the Tall Blacks national team, fostering an environment steeped in the sport from childhood. This family background provided early immersion in , with Webster beginning structured training around age 13 through pathways connected to New Zealand's basketball infrastructure, leading to his selection for the national Under-16 team shortly thereafter. Such participation marked initial verifiable indicators of talent within youth representative levels, grounded in competitive exposure rather than informal play.

High school basketball

Tai Webster attended in , , where he developed as a known for his playmaking and scoring ability. During his time there, Webster played for the school's team and also competed with North Harbour Basketball in local leagues, gaining exposure in competitive youth circuits. His skills as a versatile guard, including ball-handling and court vision, emerged prominently in senior years, contributing to the team's success in domestic competitions. In October 2012, Webster captained Westlake Boys to the title at the National Secondary Schools Championships, showcasing leadership in key tournament games that highlighted his emerging talent against top high school prospects. That same year, his standout performances earned him the ASB College Sport Young Sportsman of the Year award for , recognizing his dominance among athletes. These achievements underscored his transition from local play to international scouting attention, with reports noting his potential as a capable of Division I competition. Webster's high school exploits drew interest from U.S. college programs, culminating in his commitment to the on August 21, 2012, as a three-star recruit in the class of 2013. Scouting evaluations praised his athleticism and perimeter skills, positioning him as a heralded international addition to the Cornhuskers despite limited prior exposure to American-style play. This recruitment marked a pivotal step from New Zealand high school to NCAA eligibility, following NCAA clearance in July 2013.

Pre-college career

Auckland Pirates

Tai Webster joined the Auckland Pirates of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) for the 2012 season shortly after graduating from . As a 17-year-old developing , he appeared in two regular-season games, totaling 2 points and 2 assists. These limited minutes reflected his status as a prospect gaining initial professional exposure rather than a primary rotation player. The Pirates, led by imports like Kevin Braswell and supported by local talent, dominated the league en route to the championship, defeating the 85–75 in the final on August 5, 2012. Webster's minimal on-court time did not directly influence the playoff outcomes, but his inclusion on the roster marked his entry into professional in . This brief stint provided foundational experience in competitive adult leagues, aiding his transition toward more substantial roles in subsequent seasons and eventual college recruitment.

Waikato Pistons and New Zealand Breakers development

Webster signed a development player contract with the for the 2012–13 Australian NBL season, serving as a non-contracted player to gain professional exposure. He appeared in six games for the team during the campaign. In April 2013, following the Breakers' season, Webster joined the Waikato Pistons for the 2013 New Zealand NBL season. Over 15 games with the Pistons, he averaged 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, demonstrating strong scoring and playmaking ability as a 6-foot-1 guard. Webster's time with the Breakers and Pistons offered early professional minutes and statistical output that highlighted his potential, after which he departed for the to begin his at the University of in advance of the 2013–14 NCAA season.

College career

Freshman season (2013–14)

As a true , Tai Webster appeared in 32 games for the during the 2013–14 season, primarily coming off the bench in a reserve role while averaging 22.8 minutes per game. He contributed 3.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, helping to a 19–13 overall record and a 6th-place finish in the before their NCAA Tournament appearance. Webster faced challenges adapting to the physicality and pace of basketball, reflected in his inefficient shooting—30.4% from the field and 17.1% from three-point range—and a high turnover rate of 1.8 per game, yielding an assist-to-turnover ratio near even early in the season. These struggles aligned with broader adjustment issues for international players transitioning to the American style, including quicker decision-making under defensive pressure. His free-throw shooting stood at 61.9%, and he occasionally started sporadically but settled into a sixth-man capacity, providing ball-handling and energy. Performance elevated against stronger Big Ten and ranked opponents, where Webster averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 steals across Nebraska's six contests versus top foes, showcasing improved aggression and playmaking in high-stakes matchups. Notable games included a 14-point outing (13 in the second half) in a non-conference win over Creighton on November 24, 2013, and contributions that led the team in assists during the NCAA Tournament run. By season's end, in his final 13 bench appearances, he improved to nearly 40% field-goal shooting, 35% from three, and a 1.3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, indicating growing comfort in the role. No individual end-of-season honors were awarded to Webster as a .

Sophomore season (2014–15)

In his sophomore season with the during the 2014–15 campaign, Tai Webster transitioned to a more consistent bench role as a guard, appearing in all 30 games while starting only 4. He averaged 18.3 minutes per game, contributing 3.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.7 steals, with shooting splits of 35.8% from the field, 23.1% from three-point range, and 73.7% from the free-throw line. These figures reflected modest growth in playing time compared to his freshman year, though his scoring and assist averages remained comparable amid limited opportunities in a backcourt led by starters like Terran Petteway and Shavon Shields. Webster's contributions were most evident in spot starts and key stretches, where he recorded three double-digit scoring outings, including two games with 13 points each—one against Wofford on November 21, 2014 (13 points, 3 assists), and another versus Incarnate Word on December 22, 2014 (13 points, 4 rebounds). He led the team in assists during five contests, showcasing his playmaking ability off the bench, though turnovers averaged 1.3 per game highlighted areas for refinement in ball-handling under pressure. Defensively, his 0.7 steals per game aided 's efforts in Big Ten play, but the team struggled overall, finishing 13–18 and 5–13 in conference, failing to reach the NCAA Tournament. No significant injuries sidelined Webster, allowing steady availability throughout the season.

Junior season (2015–16)

During the 2015–16 season, Tai Webster served as a key rotational player for the , appearing in all 34 games with 18 starts while averaging 27.7 minutes per game. He posted career-best scoring efficiency at that point in his college tenure, converting 47.4% of his attempts en route to 10.1 , alongside 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Webster led the team in total assists with 63, demonstrating his role in facilitating the offense despite a modest per-game average, and topped the roster in steals with 46, which ranked fifth in the at 1.4 per game. Webster's defensive contributions and rebounding prowess highlighted his development as a versatile capable of guarding multiple positions and crashing the boards from the perimeter, with 0.8 offensive rebounds per game underscoring his hustle. In a notable performance during the non-conference slate, he scored 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting in a win over on November 23, 2015, earning all-tournament honors after averaging 19.5 points across the event. His 0.4 blocks per game further evidenced shot-altering ability uncommon for guards of his 6-foot-2 frame. The Cornhuskers finished 16–18 overall and 6–12 in Big Ten play, placing 11th and missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years under coach , amid inconsistencies in team defense and shooting that limited postseason opportunities. Webster's individual metrics, including a positive assist-to-turnover relative to his usage and conference-leading steal rate among qualifiers, reflected personal growth amid the squad's struggles, positioning him as a steady backcourt presence with dual-end impact.

Senior season (2016–17)

In his senior season, Tai Webster served as the primary leader for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, starting all 32 games and leading the team in scoring with 17.1 points per game, assists with 4.0 per game, and minutes played at 34.7 per game. He also contributed 5.1 rebounds per game, ranking fourth in the Big Ten Conference in total points scored. Webster's scoring efficiency included a 41.4% field goal percentage and 35.2% from three-point range, with notable peaks such as 28 points against Indiana on January 3, 2017, earning him Big Ten Co-Player of the Week honors. As the lone senior on the roster, Webster provided veteran guidance amid a young team's inconsistencies, helping achieve a 13-5 start before late-season struggles. His all-around production drew postseason recognition, including third-team All-Big Ten selection by the conference coaches and second-team by media voters, as well as honorable mention on the All-District V team by the Basketball Writers Association. Despite these accolades, exited the NCAA Tournament in the first round after a loss to BYU on March 16, 2017, where Webster scored 15 points. Following graduation, Webster pursued NBA opportunities through pre-draft workouts with teams including the on May 5, 2017, and on May 17, 2017, showcasing his playmaking and scoring versatility. However, he went undrafted in the held on June 22, 2017, prompting a transition to professional leagues overseas.

Overall college statistics and awards

Over four seasons with the from 2013 to 2017, Tai Webster played in 127 games, averaging 25.9 minutes per game while accumulating 1,116 points, 421 rebounds, and 288 assists. His per-game averages included 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.2 blocks, with shooting efficiencies of 38.9% on field goals, 26.1% on three-pointers, and 71.0% on free throws.
SeasonGPMPGPPGRPGAPGSPGBPGFG%3P%FT%
Career12725.98.73.32.31.10.2.389.261.710
Webster's senior season accolades included second-team All-Big Ten selection by conference media and third-team by coaches, recognizing his averages of 17.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He also earned NABC All-District 7 second-team honors and shared Big Ten Player of the Week recognition on January 2, 2017, after averaging 19.5 points, 3.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 3.0 rebounds in wins over Penn State and . No other major conference or national awards were recorded during his college tenure.

Professional career

Initial overseas moves (2017–2019)

After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft and participating in the NBA Summer League with the Golden State Warriors, Tai Webster signed his first professional contract with Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt of Germany's Basketball Bundesliga on September 8, 2017. The agreement provided for one guaranteed season with an option for a second year. In 30 games during the 2017–18 season, Webster averaged 15.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, demonstrating scoring efficiency with a career-high 38 efficiency rating achieved on November 5, 2017. Webster's performance in the showcased his transition from to European professional play, where he contributed as a starting guard amid the league's physical demands and faster pace compared to NCAA competition. Seeking greater challenges, he departed after one season and signed a one-year with Galatasaray of Turkey's Super League on August 7, 2018. With Galatasaray in the 2018–19 season, Webster appeared in league play averaging 12.5 points per game, adapting to the higher competitive intensity of the Turkish league, which features more experienced international talent. This stint helped build his professional resume, positioning him for opportunities in top-tier European competitions thereafter.

(2019–2023)

In the 2019–20 season, Webster played for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super League, appearing in league games while also competing in the EuroCup, where he contributed as a guard with averages including 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game across his time with the club. His role emphasized playmaking and scoring off the bench in a competitive domestic and European context. Following a stint in the Australian NBL, Webster signed with Lithuanian club Žalgiris Kaunas on November 2, 2021, for the remainder of the 2021–22 season, joining a team vying for contention. He appeared in 21 games, starting 7, and averaged 4.0 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 12.6 minutes per game, with shooting efficiencies of 39.3% on two-pointers and 73.9% on free throws. Notable performances included a career-high 13 points against an opponent on November 26, 2021, and 6 assists on February 8, 2022. Webster helped Žalgiris reach the playoffs and win the 2022 , Lithuania's national cup competition. In July 2022, Webster joined in the Turkish Basketball Super League, transitioning to a more prominent starting role. Over 12 league games before his December 2022 release, he averaged 8.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 19.9 minutes, shooting 44.0% on field goals. This period marked a peak in his scoring efficiency within the Turkish league, though limited by the short tenure.

Return to Australian NBL and recent developments (2023–present)

Webster secured his position with the ahead of the through a two-year re-signing announced on April 21, 2023, which included a club option and followed his mid-season arrival in 2022–23. In that campaign, he featured in 25 games off the bench, contributing modestly with averages of 3.6 points, 1.2 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game at 45.9% shooting. Elevating his role in the 2024–25 season, Webster averaged 7.7 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds across games played, efficiency marked by a 50% , as he integrated into coach John Rillie's rotation amid the team's push for contention. His development as a secondary was highlighted by Rillie, who noted Webster's adaptation within the roster during key wins, such as against . In the intervening 2024 New Zealand NBL season with the , Webster delivered standout off-season performances, re-signing with the team in February and averaging 21 points, 6 assists, and 7.3 rebounds over six appearances. He notched a career-high 40 points on May 2, 2024, in a road loss to the , showcasing his scoring prowess in a higher-usage role. However, his tenure included a one-game suspension issued April 17, 2024, for an on-court altercation with Wellington Saints forward Lat Mayen in Round 3, served the following day against the Franklin Bulls. Following the conclusion of his three-season stint with Perth—spanning partial 2022–23 through full 2024–25—Webster mutually parted ways with the Wildcats on September 17, 2025, as announced by the club praising his contributions to team dynamics. As of 2025, he has transitioned to JL in France's LNB Pro A, marking a return to European competition after his Australian NBL revival.

International career

Youth and debut with Tall Blacks (2012–2015)

Webster's early international experience began in his mid-teens with New Zealand's youth programs. At age 13, he joined the Academy for training and represented the national under-16 team in regional competitions, including events in where the squad performed competitively. In 2011, at 16 years old, Webster earned a spot on New Zealand's under-18 squad for the 3x3 World Championships in , , where the team secured the gold medal. He played alongside emerging talents Isaac Fotu and Reuben Te Rangi, both of whom later joined the Tall Blacks senior roster, marking an early step in his transition toward elite competition. Webster debuted for New Zealand's senior men's team, the Tall Blacks, in July 2012 at the in , , becoming the youngest player ever to represent the country in a major senior event at age 17. Limited to two appearances amid a roster featuring veterans like his older brother —an established guard since the mid-2000s—Webster averaged 13.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game as failed to qualify for the London Olympics. These initial senior exposures, building on his youth successes, underscored Webster's rapid ascent and to the program, with Corey's prior integration providing a foundational context for Tai's entry into limited rotational roles during preparatory qualifiers.

Senior appearances and FIBA tournaments

Webster has represented in multiple tournaments as a senior Tall Black, accumulating 54 caps by 2025. In the held in , Webster played all six games for , averaging 5.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game despite being one of the youngest participants. The Tall Blacks compiled a 3-2 record in the group stage to advance to the second round, where they suffered two losses and finished 15th overall. During the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in , Webster appeared in three games, posting averages of 16.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, ranking second on the team in scoring behind . advanced to the semifinals with wins over the and but fell short of Olympic qualification after a semifinal loss to France and a fifth-place game defeat to . Webster contributed to New Zealand's qualification for the through the Asian qualifiers, playing six games with averages of 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. At the tournament in , he featured in five games, averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists—ranking third in team scoring and second in assists—while shooting efficiently in key outings. The Tall Blacks secured one victory (103-97 over ) amid four losses, finishing 0-2 in the group stage and 1-4 overall in classification play, resulting in a 23rd-place finish. In Olympic qualifying play, Webster delivered a standout performance on October 15, 2019, against the Philippines, scoring 25 points with 11 rebounds and three assists in an 89-80 win during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Tokyo 2020. New Zealand ultimately failed to qualify for the Olympics. Webster was included in the extended 21-man squad for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup but withdrew due to club commitments with the Perth Wildcats, contributing to availability challenges for the Tall Blacks alongside his brother Corey. New Zealand went 1-2 in group play and did not advance.

Olympic and World Cup qualifiers

Webster made his international debut for the New Zealand Tall Blacks at the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela, where at age 17 he appeared in two games, averaging 13.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. Despite his scoring output, New Zealand failed to advance from the group stage, finishing without qualification for the London Olympics. In the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in , Webster emerged as a leader for the Tall Blacks, playing all three group-stage games and averaging 16.3 points, a tournament-high 9.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for , resulting in an efficiency rating of 21.0. He recorded a of 18 points and 10 rebounds in the tournament opener, a 89-80 victory over host that propelled New Zealand into the semifinals. The team advanced past but fell to in the semifinals and in the third-place game, missing Olympic qualification; Webster's rebounding prowess, unusual for a 1.93m guard, underscored his impact in crunch-time boards and transition plays during the wins. Webster contributed to New Zealand's successful campaign in the 2019 Asian Qualifiers, appearing in six games and averaging 11.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, helping secure qualification for the main tournament in . His consistent scoring supported the Tall Blacks' group-stage dominance, including lopsided wins that confirmed their spot via the Asia-Oceania path.

Playing style and attributes

Physical profile and skills

Tai Webster stands at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) in height and weighs approximately 194 pounds (88 kg), attributes that afford him a sturdy build suitable for the demands of a role in professional . His frame combines length and explosiveness, enabling effective drives to the basket and finishes through contact. As a versatile capable of playing both point and shooting guard positions, Webster demonstrates strong playmaking skills, including precise ball-handling and the ability to penetrate defenses with quick first steps. He excels in transition, leveraging his athleticism to advance the ball rapidly and create scoring chances for himself or teammates. His footwork supports off-ball movement, allowing him to come off screens effectively and attack closeouts. Webster's skill set extends to perimeter shooting, where he maintains a reliable range beyond the three-point arc, paired with offensive confidence that positions him as a primary scorer when needed. Professionally, he has honed his finishing ability around the rim, adapting his explosive drives to higher levels of competition in European and Australian leagues. While his size aids rebounding efforts uncommon for guards, defensive versatility remains constrained by average lateral quickness against elite perimeter speed.

Strengths and areas for improvement

Tai Webster demonstrates strong clutch scoring ability, highlighted by his career-high 40 points on May 2, 2024, for the against the , achieved with exceptional efficiency including 16-of-20 field goals from two-point range. His pick-and-roll proficiency, accounting for over 40% of his offensive usage, enables effective scoring at 0.915 points per possession via drives, mid-range pull-ups, or kick-outs to teammates. Extensive experience across professional leagues in , , and has developed his mid-range efficiency and adaptability to varied defensive schemes. Despite these offensive strengths, Webster's three-point shooting remains inconsistent, with college averages around 35% contributing to his undrafted status in the . At 6'4", his frame offers versatility, but limitations in perimeter defense against quicker or taller opponents have hindered elite-level projection, as reflected in his pro career trajectory without NBA rotation minutes. Occasional disciplinary lapses, including a one-game suspension on April 17, 2024, for an on-court altercation during a game against the , indicate needs for better composure under pressure. Performance metrics across seasons show peaks in scoring efficiency during standout outings but valleys tied to shooting slumps, underscoring variability in sustained production.

Career statistics and records

Australian NBL

Tai Webster signed with the Perth Wildcats midway through the 2022–23 NBL season, providing backcourt depth as a scoring guard off the bench. In limited appearances that season, he averaged 6.9 points per game. Webster secured a more prominent role in the 2023–24 season, starting regularly after initial bench minutes and helping the Wildcats recover from a 2–5 start to win 13 of their next 15 regular-season games. Over 25 games, he averaged 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 23.0 minutes per game, shooting 45.9% from the field and contributing to Perth's playoff qualification. The Wildcats advanced to the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by the Tasmania JackJumpers in three games, with Webster providing guard play in the postseason series. In the 2024–25 season, Webster continued as a starter for the first 20 games, averaging 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 50% from the field before leaving the team in March 2025. His efficient scoring and playmaking supported Perth's early-season efforts, though the team faced challenges amid roster changes. Across his Wildcats tenure, Webster's progression reflected adaptation to NBL demands, with per-game scoring peaking in 2023–24 amid increased minutes and defensive responsibilities as a . No individual league records were set, but his contributions aided team playoff appearances in consecutive seasons.

Tai Webster joined Lithuanian club Žalgiris Kaunas on November 2, 2021, and made his debut shortly thereafter during the 2021–22 regular season. In 21 appearances off the bench (7 starts), he logged 263 minutes and 44 seconds of playing time. Webster averaged 4.0 points, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 rebounds per game, alongside a performance index rating (PIR) of 2.0, indicating limited overall impact in his reserve role. His shooting splits were 39.3% on two-point attempts (22/56), 22.2% from three-point range (8/36), and 73.9% at the free-throw line (17/23), reflecting inefficiency from beyond the arc despite solid interior finishing. These figures placed him below typical EuroLeague benchmarks for rotation guards, who often exceed 8–10 points per game in comparable minutes, underscoring his adaptation challenges to the competition's defensive intensity. Standout performances included 11 points in Žalgiris's 86–75 home win over Fenerbahçe Beko on November 19, 2021, marking an early career highlight in the league. He reached a personal EuroLeague high of 13 points on November 26, 2021, while also posting season-best 5 rebounds on December 17, 2021, and 6 assists on February 8, 2022. Webster did not feature in EuroLeague play beyond the 2021–22 campaign, as his contract with Žalgiris ended in June 2022.

New Zealand NBL and other leagues

Webster debuted professionally in the New Zealand NBL with the Auckland Pirates during the 2012 season, appearing in two games for a total of 2 points and 2 assists while contributing to the team's championship victory. He transferred to the Pistons for the campaign, where he emerged as a key contributor, averaging 13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game across 17 outings, alongside recording a career-high 5 steals in a single contest. Webster rejoined the New Zealand NBL in 2024 with the , starting the season after a suspension for an on-court incident. On May 2, 2024, he erupted for a career-high 40 points on 16-of-22 field goals in a 96–85 road loss to the , accounting for nearly half of the Nuggets' output. The performance underscored his scoring volume in a domestic context, though the Nuggets finished 7–13 overall. In European minor leagues, Webster logged substantial minutes in Germany's easyCredit BBL during the 2017–18 season with , averaging 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game over 38 appearances while shooting 48.0% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. He signed with of Turkey's Basketball Super League in July 2022, providing guard depth amid his international transitions. More recently, in France's Betclic Elite with JL during the 2024–25 season, he has averaged 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game through early contests.

Controversies

COVID-19 vaccine refusal and reversal (2021)

In September 2021, Tai Webster mutually parted ways with the after refusing the for personal reasons, amid mandates requiring vaccination for travel and participation in the Australian NBL season. The team, which had re-signed him to a two-year contract in July, stated that without vaccination, Webster would lack the freedom to travel and play, leading to his release on September 20. This decision resulted in him missing the 2021-22 NBL season with the Breakers, forgoing the remainder of his deal. Webster reversed his position in November 2021 by getting vaccinated to meet eligibility requirements for signing with Lithuanian club Žalgiris Kaunas. He joined the team on a contract through the end of the season, stating, "I had to get it to come over here and play," and adding that he had "no problems with the ." The move enabled his debut in Europe's premier club competition, providing new professional opportunities after the earlier setback.

Personal life

Family ties in basketball

Tai Webster's older brother, , is a professional player who has represented as a member of the Tall Blacks national team and competed in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). Both brothers have shared professional stints with the , including re-signing on two-year contracts in April 2023. Tai cited Corey's established presence with the team as a factor in his decision to join the Wildcats in January 2023, highlighting the familial support in their career paths. Their father, Tony Webster, introduced both sons to basketball; originally from New York, Tony played college basketball at the University of Hawaii, where he earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors, before pursuing a professional career in New Zealand. Tai has expressed aspirations to emulate his father's achievements, reflecting the foundational role of paternal involvement in his early development. Tony later coached Corey with the Manawatu Jets in the New Zealand NBL in 2025, extending the family's basketball legacy into mentorship.

Off-court interests and residence

Webster has resided in various locations corresponding to his professional commitments. After joining the midway through the 2022-23 NBL season, he established a base in Perth, , and re-signed with the team on a two-year contract in April 2023. In March 2025, Webster transferred to of the French LNB Pro A league, relocating to , , after beginning the 2024-25 NBL season with Perth. Public records indicate limited details on Webster's off-court pursuits beyond his athletic career and family connections in basketball. No verified endorsements, philanthropic initiatives, or specific hobbies such as involvement or fitness endeavors outside professional have been documented in reputable sources as of 2025.

References

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