"But there is also talent in the guard line and right across the roster, we have depth in all five positions and guys who have experience playing for New Zealand internationally. Not only do they bring talented skill sets but a good understanding of the game."
New Zealand has been done no favours in the draw, with one of the gold medal favourites France, South American powerhouse Argentina and world number 15 ranked Korea to contend with. Cartwright knows that every game is going to be a huge test of the physical and mental strength of his side.
"We don't take notice of outside pressure, our sole goal when taking over the role going to Oceania was to qualify so they had the opportunity to play at a FIBA World Cup. Now is not the time to celebrate that and just go for the ride, our goal is to come out of pool play into the round of 16 with as high a ranking as we can achieve, that will help us with the crossover game in the round of 16 (Group A crosses with Group B in the round of 16). Any kind of silverware would be nice of course, but we are not getting ahead of ourselves, our focus is on pool play."
Cartwright says the health of the game at the moment goes beyond this group, with a raft of talented young New Zealanders - male and female, making their mark on the world stage.
"Look at the recent few years intake into American Colleges and our athletes are not going to just any school, they are going to the top division one basketball programmes. The quality of our young players has the attention of the top coaches in the USA. Just this week I had a number of those coaches on the phone, asking about our group and who was coming through. That is exciting for our sport and great for the quality of players that will soon be in the frame for Tall Black selection."
Amongst those not to make the team included some struck down by injury at the wrong time, with Dan Fotu (who would have been a lock for selection), Takiula Fahrensohn and Samson Aruwa amongst those not able to press their claims for inclusion.
