Otago's Samara Gallaher is set for a more senior role with the Tall Ferns.
The Gold Rush small forward was yesterday named in an inexperienced group which will contest a four nations tournament in China at the end of this month.
Eight players - including former Silver Fern Jessica Tuki - are poised to make their debuts.
Of the 12 players named, only Gallaher, Toni Edmondson, Kate Fielding and Jessica Bygate have played for New Zealand at senior level before.
Tall Ferns coach Kennedy Kereama believes it as an opportunity to develop some depth.
''We always talk about the talent pool being a little shallow in New Zealand women's basketball, so here is an opportunity to strengthen it,'' he said in a statement.
''Some of these young women will have an opportunity to measure themselves against some of the best in the world, with China, a WNBA All Star team and a Slovenian team also in China.''
''This gives us a great chance to give some of the younger players - that will potentiality push for spots in this team - a chance to gain a better understanding of what international basketball is all about.''
The Tall Ferns can still call on some experience. Edmondson is the most experienced player and a proven scorer, and Gallaher is a player on the rise.
''She has really grown as a player over the past two years and I think she could be a major player in this group.
''Kate Fielding is also another of our more experienced players, having come from a WNBL playing background. We will rely on their leadership.
''We know the tour is going to be tough and I have been constantly reminding the players of what we are up against. However, I think talking about it and preparing that way is one thing; experiencing it for yourself will be something entirely different.''
Tall Ferns
The squad: Jessica Bygate, Shea Crotty, Antonia Edmondson, Kate Fielding, Deena Franklin, Samara Gallaher, Krystal Leger-Walker, Natasha Lenden, Josephine Stockill, Dru Toleafoa, Jessica Tuki, Maia Wilson.
*Brooke Blair and Hayley Gray have been named as injury cover.
