Jane McMeeken loves challenge to lead New Zealand's 1978 basketball bid.

They were preparing for the Commonwealth games and were planning to win but not at all costs she said.  Mens and women's teams will compete in the championships and this is the first time that the women's team will have competed at this tournament and they are positive that they would do well.  
The team was humiliated last year against Australia where they were beaten with ridiculous ease, overwhelming the New Zealanders by about 30 points each.
This year's team is a lot different, as last year even though they out-heighted Australia they did nto use this to their advantage.  They are looking at a different style and want to play their own game which is fast, aggressive and all about hunting the ball.
With this in mind coach, John Dybvig and the 12 strong squad approached the series against the Australian Institute of Sport.
All players were used during the games and testing defensive and offensive patterns and although it was disappointing to lose they feel they benefitted hugely from the tour and the 10 days together as a team.
McMeeken confirmed that John is an excellent coach and got them in some really good intensive training.  In saying this though Dybvig, whose on court antics as coach have become an on-going controversy, he has the support of his team.
No-body enjoys being sworn at but it is a means to an end.  He is a superb tactician and everybody is right behind him, confirmed Jane.
There is excellent team spirit and she goes on to say that it is the best she has ever been involved in.
Its the team spirit McMeeken hopes will boost New Zealand when they come up against favourites, Australia, the "unknown quantity", England, Fiji and Hong Kong at the Commonwealth championships.
We are going to have to be really gutsy as we are are shorter than most other teams, but we want to perform really well and capture the public's imagination Jane goes on to say.
New Zealand will be boosted by the return of Leone Patterson next month from her stint playing basketball at an American College.
McMeeken who with fellow New Zealand representative, Lesley Hannan arrived in Wellington from Christchurch last year. 
Jane comes from a family with a distinguished involvement in sport.
Her sisters, Shelley and Mary-Ann are Otago netball representatives - Shelley a senior rep is now in Auckland and Mary Ann, an under -20 rep, also competed for New Zealand Universities during their recent tour.
Jane played premier grade netball in Christchurch three years ago and still turns out when need for Wellington East Old Girl's premier side.
McMeeken's mother was a New Zealand netball representative, and her uncle - Robin Archer - an All Black from 1955-57.
Jane's concentration on basketball is complete and the captaincy gives an added zip to her game.  She says it is a personal challenge as she has to be extra fit to play well and cannot demand of her players what she is not prepared to give.