KEY POINTS:
New Zealand men's coach Nenad Vucinic is wary of a new-look Venezuelan line-up missing the veterans who had helped make them an international force over the past decade.
The roster for this week's series does not include their three biggest names of recent years - guard Oscar Torres,
30, forward Victor Diaz, 39, and centre Richard Lugo, 34.
"It wasn't a lightly taken decision," Venezuelan Basketball Federation president Carmel Cortez said of the changes when he announced the squad last week.
"We analysed it a lot and decided to take a bet on the younger players for this new cycle that has qualifying to the 2010 World Cup as the main objective."
Vucinic said this Venezuelan side were an unknown quantity although New Zealand played them last year.
"They have done a bit of rebuilding, which will make them tougher.
"They have a lot of younger, quality players. They are not as experienced, but should provide tougher opposition than last year."
New Zealand, ranked 12th in the world, have faced Venezuela (21st) twice in recent years, beating them in pool play at the 2002 world championship and then again by 30 points in the build-up to last year's tournament.
"I remember we had a really poor first half and then had a really stern talk at halftime," Vucinic said about their most recent encounter.
"When we took the lead, they just folded. I think that was a reflection of their players being a bit tired of the whole thing. This young squad will be hungry to prove themselves and qualify for the Olympics, even though they are looking more at 2010."
While most of their big names are missing, one Venezuelan the Tall Blacks will have to watch is forward Hector Romero, who was an All-Star selection at the 2005 Tournament of the Americas, but missed the world championship through injury.
They should also retain a similar style of play despite the new wave of players in the side as Nestor Salazar has been retained as coach.
"I see they have a lot of players from their local league, which is a good league and high paying. They have some playing in Puerto Rica and two good young point guards at top US colleges.
"I expect a typical South American style - high tempo, aggressive defence and good shooters.
"I don't think they will be at the same level as Australia, but they will have similar body types."
Vucinic thinks the three-match series, against Venezuela starting on Friday in Napier followed by matches in Wellington on Sunday and Tuesday, would help prepare well for next month's Olympic qualifying series against Australia.
"You go into the first game not knowing much and then try to adjust quickly within 48 hours. That's part of the challenge and learning to adjust during the game and between games."
- NZPA
