Marlborough's young basketballers had a chance to learn from one of New Zealand's best when former Tall Black Phill Jones visited Marlborough Lines Stadium.

Jones and fellow Fico Finance Nelson Giant Ben Wright were in Blenheim coaching Marlborough's under-15 girls and boys as part of the Giants' sponsorship agreement with Hunter's Wines.

Wright has been a regular visitor to Marlborough the last two years, making 10 trips over the hill last year and now his third this season, while it was Jones' first trip.

Jones has become an easily recognisable figure in New Zealand basketball over his 17 years at the top level since making his debut for the Giants in 1993.

A dead-eye shooter who has played in Finland, Greece, Italy and Australia, Jones said he still enjoyed suiting up for the team that gave him his start in the professional ranks.

"The Giants have been very good to me over the years. I have a lot of time for the place and the people.

"It's almost relaxing coming back here to play," Jones said.

"Nelson is home. I've been a lot of places but it's hard to compare any of them to New Zealand."

Jones has also been very good to the Giants, helping them win NBL titles in 1994 and 1998, and is the NBL's all-time leading scorer.

This season the Giants again look to be title contenders, having won three of their first four games.

One of the keys to their success is the improvement of former Marlborough junior rep Josh Bloxham.

The 20-year-old guard has filled the team's sixth-man role this season and has impressed Jones.

"He'll be a huge part of our push for the championship.

"The big thing is he's playing with more confidence this season and has proved he can play against tough players.

"He's pretty dedicated and has a great work ethic. He worked really hard on his game and his body in the off season."

After starting off the bench for the Breakers in the ANBL and winning the 2008-09 sixth man of the year award, Jones signed with the Cairns Taipans last season.

As captain there, the 36-year-old said he played a greater leadership role than he had at the Breakers and enjoyed his season in Cairns, a town he found similar to Nelson.

He is contracted to Cairns for next season and is looking forward to another year there, though hinted that, after that, he might end his long international career.

The lure of the Giants, though, is sure to remain. The Giants have a bye in the NBL this weekend. Their next game is on the road to the North Harbour Heat on Thursday.