Breakers guard Corey Webster has a chance to join Steven Adams as the second Kiwi in the NBA.
Webster takes off tonight for the United States, after a late call-up for a week-long trial at the New Orleans Pelicans.
There's a guard spot available and the 26-year-old Tall Black fits the bill, with his quality outside shooting.
While there is no guarantee of a contract, it's a tremendous opportunity.
"This is the dream starting to come true. I'm a little bit nervous, well not really nervous, but excited.
"This sprung up pretty quick; the coaching staff at New Orleans has invited me to do some workouts for a couple of days or maybe a week. This is a chance to impress in that time and chase an invite to join the Pelicans training camp in October."
Webster spent three days trialling with the Indiana Pacers earlier this year and plans to draw on that experience.
"Just the experience of playing against the calibre of players and learning how to play that type of game – the confidence that I got from the Pacers camp, that's helped me hugely, not just for this camp but through the off-season with the Tall Blacks."
The Aucklander has made a big impact on the international scene recently. He was MVP when the Tall Blacks won the Stankovic Cup in China and followed that up with 22- and 16-point performances against Australia.
"My agent has been communicating with them [New Orleans] and says it is based on my form over the past couple of months since coming back from Europe [with the Tall Blacks], in particular up against NBA-calibre players such as Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova. I guess they were watching and I have done enough for this invite. I have to work hard and show them I am worthy of the next step and get an invite to stay for longer."
Breakers coach Dean Vickerman supports Webster's departure and is likely to use Reuben Te Rangi as his main shooting guard in next week's pre-season series against the Sydney Kings.
"This is a great opportunity for Corey and one we wish him all the best with. This club offers a way into full-time professional basketball and gives young players something to aspire to, a pathway into a full-time career. But often that means we are just one step on the pathway, and if it is the NBA calling who are we to stand in their way?"
If all goes well Vickerman will need to find a new shooting guard because Webster doesn't plan on looking back.
Asked if he'd thought that this was the last time he'd train with the Breakers, Webster joked: "Hopefully. Nah, obviously it's the dream but I pay all respects to the Breakers for helping me get here. I wouldn't be the person I am today without them."
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