New New Zealand women's basketball coach Kennedy Hamilton-Kereama will take a mix of young and experienced players to Japan this week as the Tall Ferns build towards the 2012 London Olympics.
Five of his squad contested the Beijing Olympics two years ago, but four others will be making their first appearance in the national senior team.
Guards Noni Wharemate, Suzie Bates and Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe, and forwards Jillian Harmon and Lisa Wallbutton provide the veteran leadership on the roster.
Perhaps the most intriguing newcomer is Nelson guard Jelena Vucinic, daughter of Tall Blacks coach Nenad Vucinic.
Joining her as rookies are Palmerston North guard Jordan Hunter and a pair of recent US college returnees, Harbour guard Amanda Harris and Otago forward Patrice McKenzie.
New Zealand: Suzie Bates (Otago), Toni Edmondson (NZ Academy), Jillian Harmon (Italy), Amanda Harris (Harbour), Jordan Hunter (Palmerston North), Karlene Kingi (Harbour), Patrice McKenzie (Otago), Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (Australia), Georgina Richards (Taranaki), Lisa Wallbutton (Australia), Jelena Vucinic (Taranaki), Noni Wharemate (Harbour)
