NZL - Pero Cameron worth his weight in gold

Izmir (FIBA World Championship) - New Zealand will be led by long-time captain Pero Cameron when they take to the floor against Lithuania tomorrow (28 August) to kick start their FIBA World Championship campaign.

Just weeks ago it appeared certain this would not be the case.

After missing almost all of the Australian and New Zealand NBL seasons due to injury it seemed the imposing power forwards international career was over.

Through sheer determination though, 36 year old Cameron got himself into shape and made the Tall Blacks final team, and no one is happier about it than fellow veteran Phill Jones, who debuted for the national team alongside Cameron way back in 1994.

While Cameron wont be able to make the same contribution he did at 2002 FIBA World Championship, when he was named in the tournament All Star Five, Jones believes his contribution will be invaluable. "His ability to get on the court and make a difference is still a huge asset," Jones said.

"His leadership and ability to hit big shots - hes a real competitor and that just rubs off on everybody else."

Jones believes Cameron is also vital for the development of the teams younger brigade, such as Thomas Abercrombie, Alex Pledger and Benny Anthony. "At this stage of his career he is almost like a father figure to the younger guys."

"He will definitely do a bit of teaching, especially after last season where he stepped into the coaching role (at NBL level), but he is more about when he is on the court and how he plays, that is really how he speaks," Jones enthused.

The second leading scorer of the 2004 Olympic tournament, Jones also feels he is regaining some good form after a two year international retirement. "After taking a couple of years off and coming back, it has taken me a little while to get used to the physicality and the speed.

"You just seem to have a little bit less time to get shots off. But Im feeling pretty good now and its the first game tomorrow, so Im really looking forward to it," he said.

Jones is also pleased about the Tall Blacks build up to the FIBA World Championship, and has his eyes firmly on the knockout rounds in Istanbul. "We want to get to the next round, and after that anything can happen. We have a pretty good Group, so if we play well we can finish in a decent spot, but we have to play well."

New Zealand plays their first Group D match in Izmir against Lithuania at 4:00pm local time.

FIBA