Four debutants have been included in the New Zealand men's basketball side for their eight-match tour of Europe.
Junior Tall Blacks centre Rob Loe, Hawke's Bay Hawks point guard Jarrod Kenny, Wellington Saints forward Leon Henry and Waikato Pistons swingman Tom Abercrombie were today named in the 12-man squad.
Loe, who averaged 18.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in four games at the Under-19 world championship in Auckland last week, will become one of the youngest Tall Blacks at 17.
Shooting guard Kirk Penney, who did not attend the team's camp in Auckland this week but will join the team en route, is the most experienced in the team with 94 internationals.
Pero Cameron, the national captain since 2000, was not considered for selection because of an ankle, while Craig Bradshaw is also out of the tour as he trials for a professional contract.
However, Cameron and Bradshaw could both return for the two-game Oceania Championship clash with Australia next month.
Along with Penney, forward Mika Vukona, Wellington Saints point guard Lindsay Tait and Auckland Stars forward Casey Frank form the core of experience in the squad.
Back from last year is Harbour Heat guard Corey Webster, Waikato Pistons centre Alex Pledger and guard Michael Fitchett.
Jeremiah Trueman makes his comeback to the Tall Blacks after three years away studying in the United States.
He returned to New Zealand and signed with the New Zealand Breakers last month.
The Tall Blacks fly out of Auckland on Sunday night, with their opening match being against Estonia on July 22.
Tall Blacks (numbers indicate appearances): Tom Abercrombie (NZ Breakers) 0, Michael Fitchett (Waikato Pistons), Casey Frank (Auckland Stars), Leon Henry (Wellington Saints), Jarrod Kenny (Bay Hawks), Rob Loe (Westlake Boys' High), Kirk Penney (NZ Breakers), Alex Pledger (NZ Breakers), Lindsay Tait (Wellington Saints), Jeremiah Trueman (NZ Breakers), Mika Vukona (Gold Coast Blaze), Corey Webster (NZ Breakers).
