Basketball: Shea Ili back from NBA trial to lead Tall Blacks

Shea Ili is back home with the Tall Blacks but still buzzing after rubbing shoulders with some of the NBA's top prospects.

Ili was one of just two Australian NBL players selected to join the Mavericks for an intensive two-day camp in Dallas, and he insists he wasn't overawed by the experience.

"Yeah I'm pretty confident I can play at that level and hold my own," he told Newshub.

The NBL's most improved player last season didn't get asked to stay for the summer league but is on standby for a call up if required.

"I don't think it was too much of a higher level than what we play in the Aussie league but it was pretty good."

The Mavericks decision to let Ili go means he's free to play for the Tall Blacks in their next two world cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and China starting in Rotorua on Thursday night.

"He's playing at a really high confidence level right now, which he should be," said coach Paul Henare.

The Kiwis play Hong Kong first up, a side they beat by 59 points in November.

And while they're already guaranteed a spot into the next round of World Cup qualifying, they're not taking the game for granted.

"I haven't dug too deep into the points differential but I know for sure wins count, and that's the goal from this window."

A more than achievable goal, especially with Ili back in their ranks.

Newshub.