Tall Ferns forward Mary Goulding has reached out from her hospital bed to inspire her national teammates during their European tour.
Goulding, 26, was admitted to hospital last month, after a Christchurch car crash left her in critical condition and intensive care.
She has recently emerged out of critical condition and is now on her road to recovery, sending a "go hard" video message to the NZ women, as they prepare for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup later this month.
Many of the players had not seen Goulding, since she attended a training camp about a month before her accident, and she thanked them for their prayers and support during her coma.
"It was the first thing she wanted to do that day," said mother Jennifer. "She had read the article about the team and wanted to encourage the girls."
The Tall Ferns responded with video messages from each player - and a 73-62 win over Poland, after three losses to eight-ranked Serbia.
Ranked 29th in the world, New Zealand have ended their tour with defeat to 11th-ranked Turkey.
