Tipped to progress through the round-robin event and play a major part in next Monday night's finals, Big V coach Kent Lockhart has selected a talented squad that appears likely to take it right up to Sri Lanka, Singapore, Knox Raiders and the AIS.

The Big V will face both the international teams on Saturday (Sri Lanka at 10am and Singapore at 6pm), before tackling the AIS (3pm) and Knox Raiders (8pm) on Sunday.

However, for those who thought the competition might be a little light on for experience, think again.

Singapore is set to have a starting five that includes Singapore Slingers duo Pathman Matialakan and Meng Koon, the Sri Lankan outfit includes seven players above the old six-foot mark, the AIS has four players above 200cm, including 212cm centre Daniel Johnson, while the Raiders will be capably led by five of their 2006 SEABL championship players.

Other notable inclusions for the host team are Big V youth players Adrian Haines, Luke Melenhorst and Simon Szablicki, while a sprinkling of rising stars will add depth to the tournament's heavyweights.

Knox Basketball's marketing and communications manager Justin Nelson believes the competition will be hotly contested by five teams that all want to win the first International Cup.

"We see year one as the building block to an annual tournament that attracts plenty of attention, but also provides the basketball fraternity with a quality event to close out the year," says Nelson.

"Every one of the five teams competing this year has treated the tournament very seriously, so we are expecting a tough contest in all 12 games.

"Aside from the finals on Monday night, the Knox versus Big V Youth Select game on Sunday night promises to be a cracker, while a big crowd is expected for the games involving the international teams, especially Sri Lanka."

Amazingly, Knox has already fielded calls from Malaysia, Canada and England in regards to the 2007 tournament.

"The International Cup will provide those outside of the world's most elite nations with an opportunity to play quality opposition," says Nelson, adding "Better yet, it also provides the likes of the Big V and AIS with good competition for their best young players.

"Our future plans also include a women's competition."

The 2006 King Club International Cup will be played at Knox Converse Stadium (Boronia) this Saturday, Sunday and Monday night. Entry each day is a very low $5 for adults and $2 for children.

The draw is;

Saturday November 4
10am: Sri Lanka vs BIG V Youth Select
12pm: Australian Institute of Sport vs Singapore
3pm: Knox Ford Raiders vs Sri Lanka
6pm: Singapore vs BIG V Youth Select
8pm: Knox Ford Raiders vs Australian Institute of Sport

Sunday November 5
10am: Sri Lanka vs Australian Institute of Sport
12pm: Knox Ford Raiders vs Singapore
3pm: BIG V Youth Select vs Australian Institute of Sport
6pm: Sri Lanka vs Singapore
8pm: Knox Ford Raiders vs BIG V Youth Select

Monday November 6
6pm: Bronze Medal Match (3rd vs 4th)
8pm: Gold Medal Match (1st vs 2nd)