Basketball: Captain among the big names

In a fitting conclusion to the Tall Blacks' remarkable journey to the bronze medal playoff at the world championships, captain Pero Cameron was yesterday named in the tournament team.

The Waikato forward was chosen, alongside four National Basketball Association stars, by the media covering the championships in Indianapolis.

The others selected were: German NBA All-Star Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks); Chinese centre Yao Ming (Houston Rockets); Argentine guard Emanuel Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs); and Yugoslavia's Predrag Stojakovic (Sacramento Kings).

Nowitzki, the top scorer in the championships, was named its Most Valuable Player.

United States coach George Karl made a special mention of Cameron's abilities earlier in the tournament.

"Probably my favourite player is the Cameron kid," Karl said.

"He is just an all-time good basketball player who knows how to play."

- NZPA