KEY POINTS:
The best young basketballers in the world will descend on Auckland next year for the world under-19 men's championship.
A successful joint bid from Basketball New Zealand, Auckland City Council and North Shore City Council will see 16 teams play in the championship from July 2-12.
"The tournament is the most important basketball event held in this country," a BBNZ statement said.
"Scouts from all over the world will attend and many of the players on display will go on to become international and National Basketball Association stars."
Pool games will be staged at North Shore Events Centre and ASB Stadium and the finals at Vector Arena.
BBNZ chief executive Dale Stephens said the partnership between the national body and city councils has been crucial to the success of the bid.
"Establishing partnerships with central and local government was an aspect of our bid that really impressed basketball's international body, FIBA," Stephens said.
Auckland Mayor John Banks said he was thrilled by the success.
"A team effort has allowed us to secure this international tournament," he said.
"This is a great opportunity to demonstrate Auckland's ability to host major events."
North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams said his council was pleased to be working closely with Auckland City and BBNZ on such a big event.
"It's a great example of regional co-operation, using excellent facilities provided by both cities," he said.
"We look forward to welcoming basketballers from all over the world to enjoy outstanding competition and excellent hospitality."
Stephens said FIBA regarded the under-19 as the "most exciting" on their annual calendar.
"Raising funds for any sport is tough, but the international reach of this event should prove appealing to sponsors," Stephens said.
As host, New Zealand gains automatic entry for the Junior Tall Blacks, who got their first taste of international basketball at the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany last month. The juniors won just one of their six outings to finish 14th and now know they must improve dramatically to be competitive at world level.
They will spend eight weeks based at the New Zealand Breakers facility and playing in the Conference Basketball League as they prepare for the Oceania Championships against Australia in August.
Stephens said: "This event gives us the chance to raise all aspects of basketball to the highest international standards.
"Our referees, officials and event managers will benefit as much as our athletes and our development programmes from such a huge opportunity."
- NZPA
