Coach Lori McDaniel says NZ Premier is looking forward to bringing the challenge when the University of California Berkeley Golden Bears touchdown in Auckland early next month. And they better be, because there is no doubt NZ Premier are in for a tough match.
The UC Berkeley Golden Bears areone of the top womens college teams in the US, boasting nine appearances at the NCAA tournament and playing in the prestigious Pac 12 Conference.
Ironically one of the biggest challenges will come from New Zealander and Tall Fern Penina Davison, who will be lining up for Cal where she attends College. Now in her fourth and final year, the formidably talented 21 year old has made 98 appearances for the Golden Bears. This is her first time playing in Auckland since the start of her college career.
"This is a great opportunity for New Zealand youth to see what it takes to play at a large Division One College," says Lori McDaniel.
"Were ready to show them what New Zealands got."
One of the foremost commentators of New Zealand womens basketball, Mike Lacey, is anticipating a great spectacle.
"Its exciting to have a high calibre American College team playing in New Zealand, its not a common occurrence.
"Hopefully this game will become one of many that involve New Zealand teams entertaining American College teams," says Lacey.
"Its important in the development of womens basketball in this country. It gives New Zealand domestic players the opportunity to play against high calibre opposition and also offers fans the chance to see a high quality game."
The game tips-off at 4pm on 13 August, at North Shore Events Centre. Tickets at www.facebook.com/NZIBT
- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand
