Perseverance and a ‘never say die attitude' are the key attributes an athlete needs in their sporting arsenal.

Kelcy Ballantyne can attest to this on her journey to making New Zealand Basketball's squad for next month's FIBA U18 3x3 World Basketball Championships in Hungary.

Otumoetai College student Kelcy Ballantyne has been named in New Zealand's Under-18 squad for the FIBA U18 3x3 World Basketball Championships. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Just a few months ago, the 183cm power forward was resigned to the fact that she might not make the cut after Otumoetai College didn't take part in the national 3x3 tournament.

But then Under-18 coach Anthony Corban liked what he saw at April's Tauranga's Basketball Pacific Easter Tournament.

'I played 3x3 tournaments over summer,” says Kelcy. 'I was aware of the team, but obviously our school didn't go to the 3x3 nationals so it wasn't a main focus.

'But I was aware of the possibility of getting a trial.

'It hampered my chances initially, as I didn't get a call up to the team. But coach Anthony Corban saw me play at the Easter tournament and then I got a call the day before the trial.”

Since then she hasn't looked back, nailing down a spot and training in Auckland over the last eight weekends, ensuring she is in peak physical condition ahead of the faster format of the game.

'It's more demanding because there are only three on the court, so you can't hide behind another player,” she adds. 'Everyone needs to do their job or else it's really obvious.”

The players also came together last weekend for an intense training camp, which proved valuable for the women as none took to the court in 2014's world championships.

But it's not just basketball the 17-year-old excels at – part of the NZ basketball Under 16, 17, and 18 teams. Volleyball is her other great passion after being a main stay in the NZ Under-19 squad for the last three years.

A decision between the two sports looms, and at the moment basketball is proving more attractive.

While her performances on the court should help the Kiwis produce a strong showing at the world championships, it is hoped a US scholarship is also in the frame.

Kelcy recently sat her American exams and is hopeful of a scholarship somewhere in California, but isn't getting ahead of herself.

Under-18 coach Anthony, who will coach both the men and women, is bullish about their chances of performing well in a tournament that already has New Zealand on the winner's trophy (U-18 men 2011).

'Both teams have that vital balance that is required in 3x3,” explains Anthony. 'It is a game that is fast evolving and requires players with size who can play inside and outside.”

The teams depart for Colorado Springs on May 27 to train with the USA 3x3 teams at altitude and in summer.

They will then travel to Budapest, Hungary on June 1 ahead of the FIBA 3x3 World Championships from June 4-7.