The Tall Blacks have named an experienced squad for their next round of qualifiers as they look to secure their spot for China 2019.
The team will be led by Brisbane Bullets forward Mika Vukona, and includes overseas based players Isaac Fotu (Germany) and Tai Webster (Turkey) for their home and away fixtures against Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
But the squad will be without star shooting guard Corey Webster due to personal reasons, as well as veteran forward Tom Abercrombie, who wasn't considered after he injured a hamstring at club training this week.
Webster has only just returned to New Zealand following a stint in China and has been given some time to settle back into the country ahead of the new ANBL season with the Breakers.
He'll be replaced by NBL stand-out Ethan Rusbatch, while Dion Prewster gets another opportunity in Abercrombie's absence.
Coach Paul Henare says the upcoming contests will be their biggest test to date in their pursuit of a berth in China next year, and a lot of that is down to travel demands.
"Getting in and out of the Middle East in the short time we have between games is something new," said Henare.
"But in typical Tall Blacks fashion, we are looking forward to taking that on and putting in some strong performances."
Along with China and Korea, New Zealand has crossed over into Group E, carrying points from their earlier group with them (5 wins, 1 loss).
The top three teams in each of the two final groups will qualify for China 2019, along with the best fourth placed team from the two final groups.
Complicating the process is that China, as hosts of the World Cup, do not count in the final placings, but will continue to play out their remaining matches.
The focus isn't simply on qualifying for next year's tournament, but locking up a high seed, says Henare.
"We will not take anything for granted, that is a recipe for disaster. The fact is we are not yet qualified and must continue to pick up wins to keep pace at the top of the group.
"We know how tough these road trips are going to be and the hurdles we will have to overcome, we cannot and will not let our guard down for one moment.”
Tall Blacks:
Guards: Shea Ili, Breakers; Jarrod Kenny, Cairns Taipans; Ethan Rusbatch, Bay Hawks; Tai Webster, Galatasaray (Turkey);
Forwards: Reuben Te Rangi, Brisbane Bullets; Dion Prewster, Bay Hawks; Jordan Ngatai, Breakers; Isaac Fotu, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany); Finn Delany, Breakers; Mika Vukona, Brisbane Bullets;
Centres: Rob Loe, Cairns Taipans; Tohi Smith-Milner, Melbourne United
Schedule:
AWAY: 13 Sep 2018 vs Syria, Nouhad Nawfal Stadium, Zouk Mikael, Lebanon
HOME: 17 Sep 2018 vs Lebanon, Energy Events Centre, Rotorua. Tip off 7pm
HOME: 29 Nov 2018 vs Jordan, Horncastle Arena, Christchurch
HOME: 2 Dec 2018 vs Syria, TSB Bank Arena, Wellington
AWAY: 21 or 22 Feb 2019 vs Lebanon in Lebanon
AWAY: 24 or 25 Feb 2019 vs Jordan in Jordan
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