N.Z. team under no illusions

Press, 5 August 1981, Page 40

N.Z. team under no illusions

Bv MIKE JOHANSSON

The New Zealand men's basketball side has the ability to beat Australia in the best of three Oceania qualifying series in Christchurch this week, according to the side's coach. Mr Steve McKean.

Speaking after the NewZealand squad's first practice since returning from the William Jones International tournament in Taiwan on Monday. Mr McKean said yesterday that the side was under no illusions about the strength of the Australians.

“We know that the Australians are very strong.” he said. “Were certain though that if we play up to our ability we can compete with them." The winner of the series will compete at the World Basketball Championships in Cali. Colombia, next year.

Mr McKean's sentiments were echoes by his assistant coach. Mr Pete Schmidt. New Zealand had “taken" one match from the Australians in the 1978 series played in New Zealand, and the. national team this year was stronger tharii the 1978 team. Mr Schmidt said.

That win. although New

Zealand had lost that series, .was a definite plus for the New- Zealand team this year, he said.

Both men were happy with New’ Zealand's seventh placing at the Taiwan tournament. despite all members of the team being affected by gastro-enteritis. Mr McKean said that his side had played well against the strong Swedish side, which played a strong defence similar to w-hat the Australians usually played..

“And we didn't do too badly against that," he said: While some of the players were still suffering the aftereffects of the return trip from Taiwan and the sickness they had all experienced. the coaches were both confident the players would be fit for Friday evening's first test. The Australian team flew into Christchurch last evening and will have their first training run today.

There is some amusement in the New Zealand camp because the Australians have confirmed their return flight for next Monday, the day before the third match (if it is necessary) is scheduled to be played.