MELBOURNE (Paulo Kennedy’s View from Downunder) - New Zealand basketball has never had so much size, depth and athleticism.

While they are young, there is a sprinkling of experience that gives the Tall Blacks their best chance to excel at a major tournament since their impressive but unlucky Athens Olympics.

Here's a look at 16 of the leading candidates for a spot at this summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Tom Abercrombie
The case: Took his offensive game to a new level this NBL season, shooting above 50 per cent from the perimeter for a large stretch to add to his quality pull-up game.

The question: Abercrombie's defensive technique was exposed by the NBL's tighter reffing, can he play physical but smart to stay out of foul trouble?

Steven Adams
The case: A 2.13m (6ft 11in) physical specimen with NBA playoff experience? What more could you want?

The question: Is he available? And how will the raw 20-year-old adjust to the more technical nature of the international game?

BJ Anthony
The case: He continues the Kiwi tradition of defending bigger opponents while punishing them from the perimeter offensively. In form, he is a near-perfect fit for coach Nenad Vucinic's system.

The question: Anthony spent the NBL season in a very different role, rarely straying to the perimeter. Has he still got the touch the Tall Blacks need from him?

Everard Bartlett
The case: Bartlett is currently showing off his shot-making, perimeter shooting and disruptive defence in the NZ NBL - all elements the national team requires.

The question: Does he have the discipline and natural feel for the game to fill a role for the Tall Blacks?

Casey Frank
The case: Frank simply does all the little things for his team and spreads the defense from either the four or five-spot.

The question: Is it time to move on from the 36-year-old Frank, or is his experience more valuable than ever on what looks like being a young New Zealand team?

Isaac Fotu
The case: A future star who is shaping up as the natural, eventual replacement for Mika Vukona, Fotu is coming off an outstanding year at the University of Hawaii and is ready for the next step.

The question: Inexperienced at international level, can the 20-year-old offer more than Anthony and Rob Loe given he isn't a perimeter threat, and does that even matter given his obvious potential?

Leon Henry
The case: Henry is another player more than happy to fill a role, play defense, rebound and take the shots that come to him.

The question: A jack of a few trades but master of none, is Henry worth taking given the improvement of Reuben Te Rangi?

Jarrod Kenny
The case: Kenny is arguably New Zealand's best backcourt defender and a no-fuss teammate who will give Vucinic the same thing every night.

The question: Can he handle pressure defenses and get the Tall Blacks into their offense? After last year's series against Australia the answer appears to be no, and that's a big cross next to a 28-year-old point guard's name.

Rob Loe
The case: 2.13m (6ft 11in) three-point shooters don't grow on trees, and Loe has shown he can excel in the Tall Blacks' perimeter-based offenses, punishing opposition centres who like their feet in the paint.

The question: Physically immature for a centre and immobile for a power forward, will Loe's defense limit him to an impact player or even the unlucky 13th man?

Kirk Penney
The case: He was the second-leading scorer at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

The question: How many will he score this time?

Alex Pledger
The case: At 2.15m (7ft 1in), Pledger has a rare ability to guard the pick-and-roll and run the floor, and he is improving as a moving target going to the basket at the other end.

The question: Will his persistent ankle injury derail his Spain 2014 campaign?

Lindsay Tait
The case: Tait is a dependable floor general who rarely tries to do more than he is capable of and knows Vucinic's game-plan inside-out.

The question: At 32, is it still worth investing big minutes in Tait, or will more flow to the Websters to fast-track their development?

Reuben Te Rangi
The case: At 19, Te Rangi showed great improvement in his rookie NBL season, hitting efficiently from the perimeter and guarding a range of mature-bodied forwards.

The question: How confidently will this precocious youngster play in Spain, because he has the tools to fill a solid bench role if unrestrained.

Mika Vukona
The case: Not even Penney is more important to this team, with Vukona a genuine contributor in every facet of the game.

The question: Will he bring his improved offensive game, which sparkled at times this NBL season, to the World Cup? And will he avoid foul trouble long enough to contribute his full value?

Corey Webster
The case: After some off-court issues, in the past 12 months Webster showed for the New Zealand Breakers and Tall Blacks he can create and make shots with the best.

The question: What position does Webster play? Vucinic has pegged him a two-guard, but with so few minutes available behind Penney, should he swing between spots to allow him to shine?

Tai Webster
The case: The younger Webster set tongues wagging at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Just 17 at the time, he stroked it from the perimeter and finished stylishly amongst the tall trees.

The question: How is his confidence after an up-and-down freshman season at Nebraska? If Webster struggles in camp, does Vucinic look at a steady guard like Kenny or give Webster the chance to grow?

Who else?

Dion Prewster: An international level athlete whose lack of polish may hurt him.

Jeremy Kench: Quality at NZ NBL level but may lack the physical tools to contribute internationally.

Richie Edwards: No question about his offensive talent, but other areas need plenty of work.

Jeremiah Trueman: A consummate team man, could be a solid injury replacemen.

Paulo Kennedy

FIBA

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