Former New Zealand netballer Daneka Wipiiti has exchanged her Silver Ferns bib for a Tall Ferns singlet.
The 1.94m centre was yesterday named in the squad which will contest the Oceania Cup in Australia this month. The Tall Ferns play Australia in three tests, with an Olympic berth at stake.
Wipiiti joins the likes of dual internationals Donna Wilkins and Belinda Colling in making a successful transition from netball to basketball.
The lanky goal shoot had a disappointing season for the Steel, and missed selection for the netball world championships in Singapore in July.
Her inclusion in the Tall Ferns, though, comes as no surprise. The rookie had an outstanding campaign for Otago in the Women's Basketball Championships.
She dominated the final against the Nelson Sparks with a haul of 21 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and a steal - an amazing effort considering she had only dabbled in the sport, with netball occupying most of her time.
While some of her basketball skills are still raw, her ability to turn and shoot and her height make her a valuable acquisition.
She will be joined by Otago team-mate Suzie Bates. Bates was unavailable for the tour of China and, along with point guard Angela Marino, returns to bolster the team's experience.
The news was not so good for Otago's Casey Lockwood and Patrice McKenzie, who both missed selection.
The Opals are ranked second in the world, so the Tall Ferns have a huge challenge ahead.
The opening game is in Melbourne tomorrow. Game two is in Brisbane on Friday and the final match is in Sydney on Sunday.
Tall Ferns
Squad
Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe, Lisa Wallbutton, Natalie Taylor, Antonia Edmondson, Micaela Cocks , Rebecca Drew, Jillian Harmon, Jordan Hunter, Jelena Vucinic, Angela Marino, Suzie Bates, Daneka Wipiiti.
