Basketball: Tall Ferns squad named

A New Zealand women's basketball squad of predominantly overseas-based players was today named for a four-nation tournament in China this month.

They include the experienced Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe, Natalie Taylor (nee Purcell), Micaela Cocks and Lisa Wallbutton.

Also selection in the Tall Ferns' 12-strong roster is forward Jillian Harmon, who came through Stanford University in the United States and is now playing in Italy.

There are four players in the US collegiate system - Erin Rooney, Rebecca Dew, Jordan Hunter and Jelena Vucinic, the daughter of Tall Black coach Nenad Vucinic.

The one New Zealand-based squad member is Waikato Wizards forward Aroha Jennings.

Guard Angela Marino and Jess McCormack were unavailable for selection while Otago guard Suzie Bates is with the New Zealand women's cricket team.

Coming on board as assistant to coach Kennedy Hamilton-Kereama is Australian Dean Kinsman, who has had various coaching roles throughout Australia, including head coach of the women's programme at the Australian Institute of Sport.

The Tall Ferns fly out of Auckland tomorrow and will face Australia, Brazil and China in a seven-day tournament beginning on Friday.

The tournament is part of their build-up to their three-test Olympic qualifying series with Australia in September for a place in London next year.

Tall Ferns: Erin Rooney (Fordham University, New York), Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (Bulleen Boomers, Australia), Lisa Wallbutton (Albury Wodonga Lady Bandits, Australia), Natalie Taylor (nee Purcell) (University of Limerick, Ireland), Antonia Edmondson (Bendigo Braves, Australia), Micaela Cocks (Sandringham Sabres, Australia), Rebecca Dew (University of Hawaii), Jillian Harmon (Comense, Italy), Jordan Hunter (Crowder College, Missouri), Patrice McKenzie (Frankston Blues, Australia), Jelena Vucinic (Louisiana Tech), Aroha Jennings (Waikato Wizards).

- NZPA