Paul Henare has named his first roster as head coach of the Tall Blacks, with 14 players picked to travel to Europe for games against Great Britain, Croatia and Slovenia.
The number of players will then be reduced to 12 for the Oceania Series against Australia in August, with the winner booking a place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Paul Henare recently celebrating the Breakers triumph. Photo: Photosport
Henare and assistant coaches Pero Cameron, Ross McMains and Judd Flavell have named their touring party an intensive 3 days of trials in Auckland.
Henare says the talent coming through the game is heartening.
"One of the stand out features of the past few days has been the quality of the young players coming through and putting pressure on some of the established Tall Blacks."
We have an exciting generation of talent emerging."
The youngsters to make the cut include 17 year old Tai Wynyard alongside Rob Loe.
First time Tall Blacks on the list include Dion Prewster who is rewarded for a strong season with the Saints and point guard Shea Ili who likewise impressed as he played an important role with the Southland Sharks this season,
Henare says there is still room for change with no guarantees that the final 12 will come exclusively from this group.
TALL BLACKS TO TOUR EUROPE
Thomas Abercrombie, Breakers, Forward, 198cm, 28years; Duane Bailey, Southland Sharks, Forward, 199, 23; Everard Bartlett, Ballarat Miners (AUS), Guard, 193, 29; Isaac Fotu, La Bruixa d'Or Manresa (ESP), Forward, 203, 21; Leon Henry, Wellington Saints, Forward, 202, 29; Shea Ili, Southland Sharks, Guard, 183, 23; Jarrod Kenny, Hawke's Bay Hawks, Guard, 186, 29; Robert Loe, KAOD (GRE), Centre, 211, 23; Dion Prewster, Wellington Saints, Guard, 195, 25; Lindsay Tait, Wellington Saints, Guard, 190, 33; Reuben Te Rangi, SuperCity Rangers / Breakers, Forward, 195, 20; Mika Vukona, Nelson Giants / Breakers, Forward, 198, 33; Corey Webster, Breakers, Guard, 188, 26; Tai Wynyard, SuperCity Rangers / Breakers, Forward, 204, 17;
Tall Blacks 2015 Schedule
11-16 July - Preparation camp in Napier, New Zealand
19 July - Depart for Europe
25 July - v Great Britain, Copperbox, London
29 July - v Croatia
30 July - v Slovenia
3-8 August - Stankovic Cup, China, Mexico, Venezuela, venue China
11-13 August - Training camp in Auckland
15 August - FIBA Oceania Series v Australia, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
18 August - FIBA Oceania Series, v Australia, Wellington
