Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) has confirmed Kiwi NBA star Steven Adams won't play for the Tall Blacks at the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China.
Last week, Adams was named in a 25-man wider squad for the tournament, but BBNZ have since been advised by Adams' representatives that he would not be available for the Tall Blacks for the World Cup, which begins at the end of August.
The announcement is a big blow for Paul Hernae's side who face tough competition if they want to reach the second round of the tournament after been drawn in group F alongside Greece, Brazil and Montenegro.
The Oklahoma City Thunder centre has never made himself available for selection since bursting onto the scene in 2012.
A statement from Adams' agent gave no indication for his decision to skip the World Cup, but it did say the 25-year-old will keep his future options open.
"Steven's support of the Tall Blacks and his interest in playing for the program at some point down the line is unwavering," a statement from his agent said.
"While he won't be participating this year with the National Team, his plan is to evaluate the opportunity to play in the 2020 Olympics following the upcoming NBA season.
"To qualify for the Olympics, the Tall Blacks must finish higher than other teams in the Oceania region at the 2019 FIBA World Cup [i.e. higher than Australia], or be one of the top four teams from 24 that will compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in June 2020."
Earlier this month, BBNZ rejected claims from SKY Sport basketball commentator Huw Beynon that Adams would only play for the Tall Blacks if all money made from his appearance goes towards the game's grassroots.
"Unfortunately, Steven doesn't feel this guarantee has been made," said Beynon. "Steven feels that Basketball NZ don't have the grassroots of the sport prioritised where he feels they should.
"He's adamant he doesn't want him playing to put money in the pockets of the administrators, but to help kids playing the sport."
But BBNZ said the claims were "inaccurate and misleading".
The Tall Blacks are also without fellow centre Jack Salt, who is currently preparing for NBA summer camp.
The extended squad will be cut to 14 for a pre-World Cup tour and then 12 for the tournament itself.
New Zealand open their World Cup campaign against Brazil on September 1, before facing Montenegro on September 3 and Greece two days later in their final group game.
NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo has already confirmed he will play for Greece at the tournament.
Last week, Adams was again named in the top 100 of the prestigious Forbes' Rich List for athletes.
His 2018 earnings of $NZ41.3 million put him at number 78 on the list, above the likes of five-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and Liverpool star Mo Salah.
Newshub.
The full list of Tall Blacks trialists is:
Guards: Shea Ili (Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers), Tai Webster (Galatasaray), Jarrod Kenny (Bay Hawks/Cairns Taipans), Corey Webster (NZ Breakers), Ethan Rusbatch (Bay Hawks), Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams), Kruz Perrott-Hunt (Nelson Giants), Taine Murray (Rosmini College)
Small forwards: Tom Abercrombie (Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers), Jordan Ngatai (Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers), Reuben Te Rangi (Wellington Saints/Brisbane Bullets), Dan Fotu (St Mary’s College of California)
Power forwards: Mika Vukona (Nelson Giants/Brisbane Bullets), Finn Delany (FMP Belgrade/NZ Breakers), Isaac Fotu (Ratiopharm Ulm), Max Darling (Vrijednosnice Osijek), Tom Vodanovich (Southland Sharks), Yanni Wetzell (Vanderbilt University), Tohi Smith-Milner (Melbourne United)
Centres: Rob Loe (Wellington Saints/NZ Breakers), Alex Pledger (Southland Sharks/Melbourne United), Tyrell Harrison (Nelson Giants/Brisbane Bullets), Yuat Alok (University of Central Florida), Sam Timmins (University of Washington).
Newshub.
