Matching up against the best basketball player in the world brings a smile to the face of Tall Blacks forward Isaac Fotu.
The 25-year-old is a near certainty for inclusion in coach Paul Henare's final squad for next month's tournament in China.
The Tall Blacks have drawn a tough group, alongside European heavyweights Greece and Montenegro, and South American qualifiers Brazil.
New Zealand will open their campaign against Brazil on September 2, before a clash with Montenegro two days later.
But the final group game has Fotu wide-eyed, with reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo lining up opposite the Tall Blacks.
'The Greek Freak' led the Milwaukee Bucks to within two wins of the NBA finals and dominated the regular season, averaging 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
"It's pretty unreal to get a chance to play against the reigning MVP of the NBA," Fotu told Newshub.
"He is an insane player - just look at his physical attributes - that's why they call him the 'Freak'.
"All the guys are pretty excited to play against him. We have some true competitors on our team, who want to play against the best players, and that'll be the case at the World Cup."
Fotu finds himself without a club after his two-year deal with German Bundesliga side Ulm expired at the end of the recently completed season.
The former Beakers development player is confident he will find somewhere to play, with offers already on the table from Europe and a potential short stint in the NBA Summer League a possibility ahead of the World Cup.
"The NBA is the dream for all ballers," Fotu told Newshub. "If, someday, I can play there, then so be it, but for now, I am just working on being the best player I can be and hope it takes me to where I want to be.
"If we have a good showing [in China], that can only be good for all the guys in the squad to push to be noticed by some big teams.
"My agent is looking at a couple of other European teams, so hopefully we will get that sorted soon.
"It's a bit of added motivation, knowing I am playing for a contract, but at the same time, I will be giving it my all, as I always do when I wear the black singlet."
Fotu's dream of an NBA gig still lingers, after a taste in 2017, when he spent some time at the Brooklyn Nets training facility.
Nets general manager - and former Tall Blacks centre - Sean Marks is in the process of completing one of the greatest roster turnarounds in NBA history.
Handed a franchise with over-priced contracts and no first-round draft picks for three seasons, Marks' wheeling and dealing has realised an NBA playoffs appearance and three All-Star recruits for next season.
On Monday, the Nets signed free agents Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Durant, securing their future as genuine title contenders.
Fotu doesn't expect any favours from Marks in his quest for an NBA deal, but is delighted a fellow Kiwi is making big waves off the court.
"Two years ago, I was invited to a mini-camp over there, so it's good to see he is still keeping an eye on local talent. It's amazing what he has done at Brooklyn - I am really happy for Sean."
Newshub.
