MANILA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Even without a bevy of key players by his side, Corey Webster is confident New Zealand can make a big splash in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila. 

The 1.85m combo guard was the Tall Blacks' best scorer against Australia in the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship, averaging 19 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 triples over the course of the two games. He was also very productive playing for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL this past season, scoring nearly 20 points per contest while netting close to three treys per outing. Those kinds of numbers are what head coach Paul Henare will look for as Webster tries to rally his countrymen against hosts Philippines on Wednesday and heavily favored France on Thursday.

Webster talked to FIBA.com.

FIBA.com: How do you feel about the absence of many key players for your side like Jarrod Kenny and Tai Wynyard?
Webster: We are missing key players, but it is an opportunity for other players to step up. We still have our starting point guard, even though Jarrod is a big part of our team.

FIBA.com: Some of the veterans for New Zealand like Kirk Penney and Lindsay Tait seem to have called it a career in the international game. What do you think this means for the national team?
Webster: With veterans like Kirk and Lindsay retiring, it is also another opportunity for new guys to come through and prove themselves. Those guys have been Tall Blacks for a very long time, and now it's time for the new blood to come through.

FIBA.com: New Zealand have some young players in their roster for the OQT. How does this new generation of talents make you feel about the future of the Tall Blacks?
Webster: The future of the Tall Blacks is in good hands. With new young guys getting the experience and opportunities they need, there are a lot of good players still to come through the system. I believe our team will be successful.

FIBA.com: What kind of expectations does the team set for you, especially since you’re one of the most experienced players?
Webster: Over the last couple of years, I have been one of the most experienced guys. The team looks to me to score and lead them at the offensive end, but that is what I do anyway. I am just going to try and lead by example and play my best basketball.

FIBA.com: How tough will the competition be at this Manila OQT be for New Zealand and how do you feel about your chances?
Webster: The competition here in Manila is very tough, with a lot of good teams. But we have to be confident, our goal is to win the tournament and that is our focus. Nothing less than that.

FIBA