Poro, the Official mascot of the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship, epitomizes all that is good about basketball in New Zealand. A basketball, big and strong, Poro is a fun loving, patriotic bundle of energy who’s always up to the challenge of getting the crowd pumped! Decked out in Maori tattoo’s and traditional New Zealand colours, Poro’s intense passion for the game is matched only by his magnetic personality and fair play attitude.

Poro’s origin is a amalgamation of two of New Zealand’s natural features. His Mother Pyro, a volcanic fireball from Rangitoto Island, and his father Hydro, a water droplet from the cool waters of the Hauraki Gulf, are responsible for Poro’s fierce enthusiasm and silky smooth moves on the court.