The Unknowns had four former Tall Blacks and two former National Basketball League players in their team.
Basketball made a significant step forward at this year's Masters Games with the number of men's teams increased from six to 14. The quality of the competition has improved with NBL players and Tall Blacks coming back.
But a team of stars does not always win major competitions as the Unknowns found out when they finished fifth. They were handicapped when star player Konrad Ross was injured.
Four Tall Blacks played for the Unknowns. They included former national league player and Otago Daily Times sports journalist and Nugget Marc Hinton.
Chris Simpson (47) learned his basketball at King's High School and last played for the Tall Blacks in 1993.
''I had 54 caps from 1986 to 1993,'' he said.
This was Simpson's second Masters Games.
''I played in Wanganui a few years ago and broke my hand in the first two minutes and this is my first time back,'' he said.
''It is my first time in Dunedin for the Masters Games so it is good to come back home. I'm loving it.
He admitted that it was hard getting back ''because we are getting old and slow. It's been a bit frustrating. But it's good fun''.
Konrad Ross (44), from Auckland, gained 24 caps when he played for the Tall Blacks from 1994 to 1999. It is his first Masters Games.
''I've only played a little bit since I retired,'' he said.
''I'm a bit slower now and I can't run as fast.''
He is enjoying being back with his old mates at the Masters Games.
''I'm loving it,'' he said.
''It's good to be back in Dunedin again.''
Chris Tupu, from Wellington, had 75 caps for the Tall Blacks from 1991 to 2000.
''This is my first New Zealand Masters and we are planning to get a team together for the World Masters at Auckland in 2017.''
He is not sure if the old skills are still there.
''It is like one of those dreams when you're trying to run away from somebody. Your mind's there but your body is a few years older,'' Tupu said.
Andrew Parke had 28 caps for the Tall Blacks from 1995 to 1999.
He lives in Auckland and this is his third year back in the sport. He also plays volleyball. He admits it is difficult to execute the old skills.
''It gets a little bit frustrating because you can see everything that's going on but you're just a step slower,'' he said.
''But we're still competitive and it's just good to catch up with your old mates and have a good natter.
Hinton played for Otago from 1982 to 1988 and then had two years for Waikato in the NBL.
His elite basketball career ended when he spent time overseas. He is now back playing with the former Tall Blacks in Auckland. It is his third Masters Games and his second back in his home town.
''It's tremendous fun to play sports with your mates,'' Hinton said.
''Five of us play regularly in Auckland. We don't need any excuse to come to Dunedin. It's a wonderful host city for an event like this.''
