NZL - A bright future

SZENCHEN (FIBA Oceania Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - There are some very good reasons why New Zealand have been a real force in international basketball for the past decade.

One of them is that each summer, the Tall Blacks, who are No. 18 in the FIBA Rankings Men, make the most of their preparations for tournament play.

The big event coming up for Nenad Vucinic's side is the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship with Australia, with the opener in Auckland 14 and the second clash four days later in Canberra.

Once the teams have that showdown, they will qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

The Tall Blacks have been touring China to get ready for the event and coach Vucinic, with several important players in the set-up unavailable for the tour, has used the opportunity to assess youngsters.

The New Zealanders, who were taking part in a four-team tournament in Szenchen, beat the Toronto-based Mississauga Power, 92-65.

"We had all our young guys out on the court at the end, and it was a lot of fun for us older guys and the coaching staff to watch them dominate," Tall Blacks forward Casey Frank said.

Teenagers Izayah Mauriohooho Le'afa, Brook Ruscoe, Reuben Te Rangi, Jordan Ngatai and Jack Salt were all on the floor at the end.

The more experienced Tall Blacks set the tone for the victory, with Corey Webster pouring in 16 points and Tom Abercrombie 13 along with five rebounds and two blocks.

Mika Vukona had nine points and 10 rebounds.

New Zealand are playing in eight games on the tour.

FIBA