SAN ANTONIO (FIBA World Championships 2006) - Sean Marks will not play for the New Zealand Tall Blacks at the FIBA World Championship in Japan in August.

The San Antonio Spurs forward/centre - the only New Zealander in the NBA - confirmed he would not change his decision to quit international basketball.

Tall Blacks coach Tab Baldwin had opened the door for a return but, after the Spurs' play-off defeat to the Dallas Mavericks this week, Marks has maintained his retirement stance.

He said: "Due to growing family commitments it is impossible for me to devote the needed time.

"I was not prepared to play for the team if I was unable to join them for all the training camps, etc, that the rest of the guys would be attending.

"I hope this opens the door for some fresh blood on the team and gives some younger guys a chance to grow and participate."

Marks has played at two Olympics and one FIBA World Championship for the Tall Blacks and is the only Kiwi to have earned an NBA winners' ring.

PA Sport

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