Basketball: Marks rejects Tall Blacks offer

WELLINGTON - Kiwi NBA player Sean Marks has confirmed he is unavailable for the Tall Blacks' 2006 FIBA World Championships basketball campaign.

Basketball New Zealand had asked him to reconsider last year's decision to retire from international competition, but Marks, whose San Antonio Spurs were eliminated from the NBA playoffs earlier this week, has officially notified the national body that he will not be changing his mind.

"I will be upholding my decision to stay retired from international basketball," he said.

"I have many fond memories from my experience with the guys over the years and will always remain an avid follower of the team.

"Due to growing family commitments, it is impossible for me to devote the needed time in summer months and I am sure those of you that have families at home understand."

Marks, 30, was especially reluctant to join the campaign midway through the build-up, as he did for the 2002 world championships and 2004 Athens Olympics.

"This would only have been a distraction," he said.

"I hope this opens the door for some fresh blood on the team, and gives some younger guys a chance to grow and participate on a very high international level."

Tall Black coach Tab Baldwin greeted the news philosophically.

"While we're obviously disappointed for the Tall Blacks not to have Sean for the world championships, there are certainly no hard feelings," he said.

"He is making a professional decision, which is understandable in the context of his life."

"Sean made his position clear from the very beginning and we always knew he was a long shot. It's time for us to respect his decision, wish him well and move forward with the talent we have."

Earlier this month, a 30-man extended squad was named to prepare for the world championships and Baldwin will whittle that back to 20 in mid-June for a camp beginning July 3.

The Tall Blacks' competitive programme begins with the Jeep International Series against Australia in Napier, July 12 and 14.

- NZPA