Basketball: American named in Games team

American-born forward Casey Frank was today named in an experienced New Zealand men's basketball team for this month's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Frank, 27, recently received his citizenship documentation which clears him to play in Melbourne and in the world championships in Japan in August.

He is the second naturalised American besides Ed Book in the 12-strong Games squad, named today by the New Zealand Olympic Committee and Basketball New Zealand.

While international rules limit teams to just one, the Commonwealth Games will not be run under those rules.

"After Casey's performance for the Tall Blacks in China, I'm really pleased that he will be available," coach Tab Baldwin said.

"I look forward to him competing for the naturalised spot on the roster and contributing to the Tall Blacks programme for years to come."

The 2.03m-tall Frank came to New Zealand in 2002 to play as an import for Auckland in the National Basketball League (NBL).

He has won two NBL titles with the Stars and was joint winner of the outstanding forward award in 2005.

Harbour guard Troy McLean, with just one brief international appearance to his name, was also included in the absence of several established internationals.

Tall Blacks stalwarts Phill Jones, Mark Dickel and Kirk Penney have professional duties in Europe while United States college players Craig Bradshaw, Calum Macleod and Leon Henry are involved in national tournament play.

Baldwin and captain Pero Cameron return from Turkish club Banvitspor to spearhead the gold medal bid, while half the lineup have just completed the Australian NBL season, either with the New Zealand Breakers or Australian clubs.

The New Zealand team have assembled in Auckland for their only competitive outings before the Games, a three-test series against India.

The first test is in North Shore on Thursday.

New Zealand team:

Ed Book (Nelson Giants), Dillon Boucher (Auckland Stars), Pero Cameron (Waikato Titans), Casey Frank (Auckland Stars), Paul Henare (Bay Hawks), Mike Homik (Harbour Heat), Troy McLean (Harbour Heat), Aaron Olson (NZ Breakers), Tony Rampton (Wollongong Hawks), Lindsay Tait (Auckland Stars), Mika Vukona (Nelson Giants), Paora Winitana (Bay Hawks).

- NZPA