BOOMERS ANNOUNCE TEAM FOR SECOND WINDOW OF FIBA WC QUALIFIERS IN MELBOURNE
Following two wins in the first window, the Boomers can now move to the top of Group B with more success before the third window occurs in late June/early July with the groups then crossing over for the second round.
Two players in Kevin Lisch and Jesse Wagstaff come into the team from Australia’s last FIBA World Cup qualifier in November with seven NBL clubs represented overall.
“Continuity is important in the team, especially with the limited preparation time in the FIBA windows,” said Boomers head coach, Andrej Lemanis.
“We have discussed and debated the make-up of the final team as a staff over the past month and are pleased with the versatility in playing style that this particular team allows.
“We are fortunate to have such a depth of talent in the NBL from which to select.”
Coming into the match-up on February 22, both Australia and the Philippines are undefeated through two games which means a victory for either side will bring them to the brink of advancing into the second round of qualifiers when Group B will cross over with Group D.
“The unique challenges that the Philippines present have definitely been part of the discussion and selection process,” said Lemanis.
“Basketball is the number one sport in the Philippines, they produce highly skilled players and play well together as a team.
“Our assistant coaches have spent a lot of time gaining an understanding of how they play and the specific talents of their playing group. We feel that we have selected a team that will enable us to negate some of their individual and team strengths as well as hopefully causing a few challenging match-ups for them.”
Following their first two FIBA World Cup qualifying games, Daniel Kickert sits fifth in the Asian region for scoring with 18.5 points per game on 75% shooting from the field while he is also placed in the top 15 for assists with 3.5 per contest.
Jason Cadee is placed fourth for assists with an average of 5.5 while Mitch Creek and Nick Kay both sit in the top 15 for rebounds with over seven per game each.
“Our depth, being able to genuinely play 12-deep, is a distinct advantage,” said Lemanis.
“During the first window, we were able to sustain a level for the course of the game which ultimately allowed us to pull away from a very good Japanese team.”
Lemanis is also looking forward to the advantage that a home court brings with both games of the second window being played in Melbourne at Margaret Court Arena.
“The travel time during the first window certainly added to the challenge so minimising that aspect will help us come into the games at peak physical condition. We’re fortunate that back-to-back home games will mean the players involved in the NBL playoffs will not be burdened with additional travel.”
The Boomers will arrive together in Melbourne on February 19 before their clash with the Philippines on February 22 at 7.30pm AEDT. They will then take on Chinese Taipei on February 25 at 3.00pm.
Tickets for both games can be purchased via Ticketek Australia here.
The Australian Boomers team for the second window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers:
| NAME | CLUB |
| Angus Brandt | Perth Wildcats |
| Jason Cadee | Sydney Kings |
| Mitch Creek | Adelaide 36ers |
| Cameron Gliddon | Cairns Taipans |
| Chris Goulding | Melbourne United |
| Matt Hodgson | Adelaide 36ers |
| Nick Kay | Illawarra Hawks |
| Daniel Kickert | Brisbane Bullets |
| Kevin Lisch | Sydney Kings |
| Mitch McCarron | Cairns Taipans |
| Nathan Sobey | Adelaide 36ers |
| Jesse Wagstaff | Perth Wildcats |
The Australian Boomers Schedule for the second window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers:
February 22:
Australia vs. Philippines at 7.30pm AEDT
Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
February 25:
Australia vs. Chinese Taipei at 3.00pm AEDT
Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Media Contact:
Grant Richardson
Media Manager
Basketball Australia
0435 133 903
Basketball Australia
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