Tall Blacks pre-World Cup squad - who will be in?

The Tall Blacks are set to cut their pre-World Cup squad to 14 on Sunday, as a selection camp in Auckland concludes. Jeff Cheshire looks at who might feature and whether Otago’s Sam Timmins will make the cut.

Locks

Isaac Fotu and the Webster brothers - Tai and Corey - are the big three. That trio has all played at a high level and will be vital to any Tall Blacks success. Tom Abercrombie is another certainty, while Finn Delany is a lock following his impressive NBA Summer League exploits. Shea Ili and Jarrod Kenny will both go as back-up ball handlers, while Rob Loe and Alex Pledger will fill the big spots.

Probables

Jordan Ngatai always plays well for the Tall Blacks and has made great strides in the past year. He provides a strong, well-rounded skill set. Ethan Rusbatch moves into this category following the week's injuries too. The shooting guard had an outstanding NBL and is an exceptional shooting threat.

Contenders

Three spots remain. Tohi Smith-Milner is a skilled big man who has been with Melbourne United the past two years. Southland Sharks forward Tom Vodanovich has had a strong NBL too and brings plenty of toughness and a solid game. Timmins is a good chance of slotting into that group too, edging out fellow quality young big men Yanni Wetzell and Yuat Alok. The other possibility would be another guard - possibly Kruz Perrott-Hunt - coming in.

Unavailable

Steven Adams ruled himself out shortly after the initial 25-man squad was named, preferring to keep his focus on the NBA. Recent college graduate Jack Salt was unavailable from the outset - a solid big man who fills a similar role to Timmins. Mika Vukona and Reuben Te Rangi were both ruled out due to knee injuries this week.

Where Timmins fits in

He was always a chance to make the squad, but the absences now make him a very strong possibility. Bringing size and strength, he did the little things well all season at the University of Washington - sets good screens, boxes out, rebounds, alters shots and brings energy. He has high-level experience and is used to playing against big and dynamic players. His past opponents include NBA stars such as Kyle Kuzma, Lauri Markkanen, DeAndre Ayton and Rui Hachimura. That experience will be valuable. They will need size at the World Cup and Timmins is as good as any of the country's young big men.

Possible team

Tai Webster, Shea Ili, Jarrod Kenny, Corey Webster, Ethan Rusbatch, Tom Abercrombie, Finn Delany, Jordan Ngatai, Tom Vodanovich, Rob Loe, Sam Timmins, Tohi Smith-Milner, Alex Pledger.