NZL – Horvath claims naturalized spot in Kiwis squad

HAMILTON (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - New Zealand coach Nenad Vucinic has opted for center Nick Horvath over forward Casey Frank for the one naturalized spot in the Tall Blacks roster for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Frank was the incumbent but his fellow American Horvath received his New Zealand citizenship earlier this year and Vucinic decided after the 2-0 Al Ramsey Shield series defeat to Australia that his team would benefit more from a pivot.

“This decision was not made on form,” Vucinic said.

“We looked at the composition of the team and felt we needed more cover for the centre position … we had the ‘four’ spot covered.”

Vucinic made it clear that Frank, one of the leading players in the New Zealand top flight, is a vital member of the set-up.

“This decision was not made on form,” says Vucinic. “We looked at the composition of the team and felt we needed more cover for the centre position … we had the ‘four’ spot covered.

“As far as we are concerned, Casey is still a Tall Black,” Vucinic said. “He is just unlucky this time.”

New Zealand left Melbourne, Australia, after their 94-57 mauling by the Boomers for North America to take on Canada in the Jack Donohue International Classic.

Veteran shooting guard Kirk Penney will join the Tall Blacks for the series as they continue their preparations for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens (July 14-20), where they will take on Germany and Cape Verde in Group B.

“Kirk on his own is not going to be able to make a great amount of difference to the team,” Vucinic said.

“Everyone has to step it up.”

New Zealand face the Canadians on Tuesday.

FIBA