Nenad Vucinic is challenging his rookie Tall Blacks to step up another notch when the team gather in Auckland on Friday ahead of next week's Oceania home-and-away series against Australia.
The youthful New Zealand line-up has just returned from China where they lost twice to the national team but won an encouraging five from six matches in back-to-back tournaments in Zhongshan and Shenzhen.
"The tour was a success - much, much more than we could ever dream of and tested the young guys at a much higher level than they've ever played," Vucinic said.
"But Australia is at least a level, if not two, above the opposition we've played. Can we step up another level or two? I hope so, but it's not going to be easy."
He said all five of the Tall Blacks' rookies played above expectation in China.
Nelson guard Brook Ruscoe, at 22 the oldest of the group, lifted with every game while 16-year-old point guard Izayah Mauriohooho Le'afa showed maturity in bringing the ball up against some hardened defences.
Vucinic said 2.05m 17-year-old forward Jack Salt impressed with his attitude and fighting spirit, Reuben Te Rangi was always tough and competitive, and surprise packet Jordan Ngatai showed he is a genuine long-term prospect with the Tall Blacks.
While the New Zealanders will be boosted by the return of big centre Alex Pledger and backup Jeremiah Trueman from injury, they will still be without point guards Lindsay Tait and Josh Bloxham.
Also missing are NBA draft pick Steven Adams, veteran shooter Kirk Penney, Leon Henry, Isaac Fotu and Tai Webster.
In contrast, the Andrej Lemanis-coached Boomers present a formidable line-up and Vucinic doesn't expect the absence of centres Andrew Bogut, Alex Maric and Nathan Jawai to lessen the threat they present.
"When you see the replacements they've got, David Andersen and Aron Baynes, you cannot say they're weak in that position.
"Obviously they're not taking us lightly, which is a great compliment to us and we're just looking forward to taking such a strong team on."
The Tall Blacks play Australia in Auckland next Wednesday, then travel to Canberra for the return match on August 18.
