As the Silver Ferns look to defend the Netball World Cup in South Africa next month, coach Dame Noeline Taurua has gone the extra mile to ensure her side is ahead of the chasing pack.
Dame Noeline has recently turned her attention to the NBA in a bid to implement systems and structures that have worked there into the Ferns' game - with one particular player catching her attention.
Five weeks out from the World Cup, Silver Ferns training is intense, something Dame Noeline wants to see more of, before their defence begins.
To do that, Taurua has gone unconventional, tapping into the NBA to add systems she's seen work there into the Ferns' game.
"We know we need to lift up in certain areas," she told Newshub. "I've been on that Google, and seeing how they set up their strategy and structures, so I think if you can glean a lot from other places, other countries, other people, that's what it's about - to learn and be better."
Dame Noeline has looked to do that in her own coaching since the World Cup success four years ago, looking to the NBA, as the latest step in that process.
"When you look at the NBA, and how they act, how they portray - and I know it's not the Kiwi way - but there's more scope we can move into and possibly implement some new stuff going into our game."
Dame Noeline is especially impressed by recent NBA champion Nikola Jokic of Denver Nuggets, particularly his command of the court.
"I like the 'Joker'," she said. "I think he's just the master of time and space."
Midcourter Gina Crampton feels that sort of attention to detail will hold the Ferns in good stead.
"Whatever [Dame Noeline] brings to the table has a long-term plan," she said. "It's very thoughtout and usually brings success."
If the Silver Ferns can emulate the success of Jokic and the Nuggets, there might be similar celebrations in a few weeks.
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