KEY POINTS:
New Zealand basketballers Micaela Cocks, Jess McCormack, Lisa Wallbutton and Noni Wharemate have been named in a strong Northern Invitational side to play the touring Japanese national team in Auckland on Saturday.
New Zealand women's coach Mike McHugh has also included a few players on the fringe of Tall Ferns selection in the squad.
The Japanese side play Waikato tonight, Curves Harbour Breeze tomorrow and Auckland on Friday before facing the composite team at AUT Northcote.
The Tall Ferns, to be named in the next few days, will reciprocate with a five-day trip to Japan between May 20 and 25.
Northern Invitational team: Micaela Cocks (Auckland), Rebecca Dew (Har bour), Erica Hopkinson (Auckland), Lana Kershaw (Harbour), Karlene Kingi (Harbour), Jess McCormack (Auckland), Arielle Parai (Waikato), Chelsea Terei (Auckland), Lisa Wallbutton (Auckland), Noni Wharemate (Harbour)
- NZPA
