It's certainly exceeded some of the modest expectations others held for the 21-year-old given the well-documented injury history that now seems ancient to him but is seemingly ever-present for the Wollongong faithful desperate to see their favourite son do well.

He's treated them to a gift in that regard this season, one that culminated in his first Boomers selection for this week's Asia Cup qualifiers in Brisbane. It's not the achievement that's surprising, rather the speed with which it's been achieved just a season out of the wilderness of three knee reconstructions that threatened his career.

Having spent countless hours in the rehab room, Glover had full faith in his body holding up to the rigours of a 28-game NBL season, but he admits that was about as far as his goals reached when the season tipped off. By the mid-point of the season though, he'd changed his tune.

"My mindset at the start of the season was a lot different to what it was by the middle of the season," Glover said.

"If you look at where my mindset was at the start of the season I've definitely exceeded my expectations, but then the more season went on and the opportunity came my mindset changed with that.

"I think it was probably the first time we played Brisbane on the road [in round 10], take the stats [17 points, six rebounds] out of it, I just felt I was back playing my natural game. There were a couple of games before that where I was doing my thing defensively.

"Now I just feel I'm able to relax a lot more at the offensive end and let the game come to me rather than forcing things. That's probably been the biggest difference since that game, I know my role within the team and towards the end of the year it was all about doing that well.

"I'm still surprised to have got the recognition I have in being picked in this team, no matter what I think I've exceeded my expectations this year, but it's a good way to cap my year off. Coming back from what I've come back from makes the year that much sweeter."

While others tend to reflect more on his past journey than he does these days, his eyes are typically glued to the future, but he admits such moments do hit home for those who've been along for the rough ride with him - in particular parents Mandy and Allan.

"Mum and Dad definitely got emotional when I gave them the call, that's for sure," Glover said.

"I was obviously surprised and grateful for the opportunity and everything like that but I don't think it's probably not going to really sink in for me emotionally until afterwards when I look back at the journey I've been on.

"That might come after I've played a game and been in camp, then you get to reflect and think 'wow, I've come from there and now I'm here'. It'll probably take a couple of days to really sink in.

"It's pretty special, any time you get to pull on the green and gold is obviously a massive honour."

Glover was one of five Hawks players selected in the squad that will be coached by Sydney's Will Weaver against New Zealand in Brisbane on Thursday and Hong Kong on Sunday.

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Todd Blanchfield and Dan Grida will return to the national team set-up, while Sunday Dech and Sam Froling will debut alongside Glover against a fellow in Hawk in Tall Black debutant Hyrum Harris.

It promises to be a step up, but it's one Glover is confident of making with a full season now behind him.

"I feel like it's a more physical game than playing in the FIBA junior ranks," Glover said.

"I like the physicality so I think that'll suit me and my other attributes but it's one of those things where, whenever you're in that uniform, you cherish the moment and just try and do your country proud."

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