Basketball: Five get a chance to bounce Czechs

Five players will make their international debuts when the Tall Blacks take on the Czech Republic in the three-match home series next month.

Coach Tab Baldwin yesterday named a 15-strong squad for the tour comprising games in Christchurch on July 7, Invercargill on July 9 and Hamilton on July 10.

The newcomers are Auckland forward Mike Homik, Auckland guard Aaron Olson, Manawatu centre Miles Pearce, Wellington forward Brendon Polyblank and Auckland guard Lindsay Tait.

Homik was the bolter of this month's trials in Lower Hutt.

"He came in and did things we haven't seen him do in the NBL so far," Baldwin said.

"He was probably the best rebounder we had at that camp and showed an array of moves around the basket.

"Mike also has a nice shooting touch, and has really good size and strength."

Olson's selection completes an about-turn in his international aspirations. Born in Canada, he has a New Zealand mother, but has waited until his third year in the NBL to make himself available for the Tall Blacks.

"With Kirk Penney not available, Aaron gives us much-needed perimeter shooting," Baldwin said.

"But Aaron has also proven himself one of the NBL's best guard defenders and can also give us a few minutes in the point spot."

Australian-born Pearce is another who has returned to New Zealand to find his roots. The 2002 NBL rookie of the year earned a call-up with the retirement of Rob Hickey and unavailability of Sean Marks.

"Miles has improved since last year," Baldwin said. "His execution's much better and we know he's an excellent physical presence. We'll be looking for him to be more productive as a rebounder and defender, and play without mistakes."

Polyblank sat on the sidelines throughout the recent camp after sustaining an injury in the opening minutes, but he has been one of the best New Zealand performers in this year's NBL and has benefited from a summer playing in Greece.

Tait is the youngest in the squad and has been one of the country's most promising players since Baldwin introduced him to the NBL with the Auckland in 2000.

Polyblank's Wellington Saints team-mate Michael Tompson also returns to the national team after several years' absence in the US. Pero Cameron keeps his captaincy. Tall Blacks squad: Ed Book, Dillon Boucher, Pero Cameron, Daryl Cartwright, Mark Dickel, Paul Henare, Mike Homik, Phill Jones, Aaron Olson, Miles Pearce, Brendon Polyblank, Tony Rampton, Lindsay Tait, Michael Tompson, Paora Winitana.

- NZPA