A record number of New Zealanders are playing professional basketball in Asia and are picking up sizeable paychecks to do so.
Kiwis are featuring in competitions in China, Japan and the Philippines in a part of the world that has thrown big money into their domestic leagues.
Basketball New Zealand said it can't compete financially but hopes the lure of a black singlet is enough for players to take the risk to keep coming back to play for national teams.
Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen.