"Business As Usual" For The Tall Blacks

The Tall Blacks had already been preparing for their upcoming Olympic qualifiers as though Steven Adams wouldn't be joining the camp.

The Oklahoma City Thunder Centre has confirmed he won't play in next month's series against Australia to instead focus on preparation for the NBA season.

The Tall Blacks are currently in Croatia as part of a warm up tour, and coach Paul Henare reports the news hasn't hit the camp too hard.

"Obviously we would've have loved to have have him [as] a part of the team and part of the qualifying series. Disappointed that Steve won't be a part of the team but we've got to carry on - business as usual," Henare said.

"We're so tied in with what we're doing and our preparation that, yes it is a blow, but the team and the staff don't want all the planning to not happen. If he did become available then that would be a bonus."

The Tall Blacks meet Croatia tomorrow morning.

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