The Big V has today announced the names of the 29 players invited to commence training with the Big V All Stars in preparation for two games against Melbourne's newest NBL team, the South Dragons, on September 12 (Dandenong) and 15 (Shepparton).

Consistent with the policy adopted in 2005, the invitees are drawn from across the league, and those players selected in the group but still participating in finals will not be expected to train until their ABA commitments have been completed.

The league has not selected any players with NBL contractual commitments, ruling out league stars like Nathan Crosswell, Daryl Corletto, Tommy Greer, Brent Hobba and Brett Wheeler.

All Stars Coach Rod Hind said he was excited about the group that had been selected.

"We've got a great group here, there is a mix of some oustanding talent and excellent experience, training should be ultra competitive and a lot of fun."

League CEO Matthew Cowling said the league had not closed the door on other players being invited to participate.

"We'll assess form and fitness, and of course, the impact of ongoing finals commitments on the squad. If the Coaching staff feel they would like to look at someone else, we'll support them with that."

Of special interest at training will be Shepparton's Import Jared Swanson. Swanson was a Championship Division All Star Five member last year, and has competed with Shepparton in Division One in 2006. He is the only Division One Player that has been invited to train.

The full squad is:

Lester Strong (Dan), Ash Cannan (Dan), Simon Conn (Dan), Mark Roberts (Dan), Senad Dizdarevic (DV), Tom Burns (DV), Liam Santamaria (DV), Joel Seach (Elth), Greg Smith (Hume), Mike Spears (Hume), Brad Collins (Hume), Jeff Reid (Latrobe), Vashon Weaver (Latrobe), Sedale Threatt (Melb), Chris Hogan (Melb), Jerome Cole (Melb), Luke McMillan (Ring), Jason Eversteyn (Ring), Marcus Timmons (Sand), Mark Whitehead (Sand), Dean Rzechta (Sand), David Moore (Sand), Jared Swanson (Shep - D1), Andrew Savige (Warn), Curtis Small (Warn), Tim Gainey (Warn), Sam Burch (Warn), Darren Smith (Wav), Andrew Knowles (Wav), Michael Petridis (Wer)

Tickets for the Dandenong game are now on sale at the Dandenong stadium.

Where: Dandenong Basketball Stadium
When: 12th September 2006
Tickets:
Adults $10
Children $5 (U12)
Family $25

To book call Erin at Dandenong BA on 9794 7192 during business hours.