Basketball: Injury puts Tall Black captain in doubt

Tall Blacks linchpin Pero Cameron is in doubt for the series against Australia starting in Hamilton on Friday night.

News that the veteran was struggling with a calf muscle injury overshadowed coach Tab Baldwin's announcement yesterday of the 15-man squad to tackle the Boomers in the three-test series.

Cameron was included in the squad with United States-based newcomers Chris Reay and Craig Bradshaw.

But he was not named as captain, raising concern over his availability for the Olympic Games build-up series.

"He's the biggest question mark and hasn't trained in three days," Baldwin said.

"That's the reason a captain wasn't named because we're looking at getting him right over the next few days. If he's unavailable we'll have to make a decision closer to the game."

Cameron's calf was not the only injury concern after the 25-man squad went through a "bloodied" four-day training camp in Whangarei before yesterday's announcement.

Tony Rampton and Reay also had ankle problems, and Auckland Stars playmaker Aaron Olsen has badly bruised ribs.

Fellow guard Paul Henare was also doubtful for the series, which finishes in Invercargill on Sunday, after sustaining a knee injury in the National Basketball League final on June 27.

Despite the mounting injury toll, Baldwin can still call on the experience of Ed Book, Dillon Boucher, Phill Jones, Mark Dickel and Paora Winitana.

The Olympic squad of 12 will be named after the third test against the Boomers.

NZ squad:

Ed Book (centre) Nelson Giants, Craig Bradshaw (forward) Winthrop University, Dillon Boucher (forward) Auckland Stars, Pero Cameron forward) Waikato Titans, Mark Dickel (guard) Fenerbahce, Paul Henare (guard) Hawke's Bay Hawks, Mike Homik (forward) Auckland Stars, Phill Jones (guard) Nelson Giants, Troy McLean (guard) Wellington Saints, Aaron Olson (guard) Auckland Stars, Brendon Polyblank (forward) Wellington Saints, Tony Rampton (centre) Cairns Taipans, Chris Reay (forward) Southern Methodist University, Lindsay Tait (guard) Auckland Stars, Paora Winitana (guard) Hawke's Bay Hawks.

Tests v Boomers

* Friday: Mystery Creek, Hamilton

* Saturday: Westpac centre, Christchurch

* Sunday: Stadium Southland, Invercargill.

- NZPA