On-hold Capitals coach Carrie Graf relishes the chance to whip the New Zealand women's basketball team into shape following her appointment as coach last week.

Graf's first major assignment is the Olympic qualifying series in September, although a ticket to Athens next year is all but booked.

"The Tall Blacks' achievements and the changes in New Zealand basketball over the past few years have made it an exciting place to be," Graf said. "Now I feel I have the opportunity to do something special."

Graf won five Australian Women's National Basketball League titles as a player but coaching was always her goal.

Graf hasn't been involved in the international scene since the 2000 Sydney Olympics and admitted knowing little about the team she has inherited.