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Despite drawing some tough opposition, the Junior Tall Blacks appear unfazed by the challenge of the FIBA Under-19 World Championships.
Auckland will host the ninth edition of the tournament in July, allowing the Kiwis direct entry into the event.
It will be the first time a New Zealand team has featured in a FIBA Under-19 world champs, which is regarded as the breeding ground for future stars.
The Kiwis have been pooled with Argentina, Croatia and Kazakhstan.
While they managed to sidestep powerhouses Spain, United States, Greece and Australia, point guard Logan van Beek said that with 16 top nations attending the tournament, it was inevitable his side would face tough battles in pool play.
"No matter how the draw was going to go it was always going to be quite tough but I'm confident we can do really well," said van Beek.
The 18-year-old said while Argentina and Croatia would be particularly tough, the Junior Tall Blacks were fortunate to have played both sides before at last year's Albert Schweitzer tournament in Germany.
"We've taken bits and pieces from each team and are trying to get our own mix with it and we're really going to go hard."
The Junior Tall Blacks continue their build-up for the July championships when they head off to Melbourne today for the "Big V" tournament.
New Zealand coach Kenny McFadden plans to use the tournament to test some of the less-experienced members of his 18-strong squad.
"We get a chance to get some of the younger guys out there and see what they can do on the international stage."
McFadden will name a pared back team of 12 in May for the July champs.
