BOOMERS ANNOUNCED FOR FIBA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS FIRST WINDOW AS ROAD TO CHINA 2019 BEGINS
12 Boomers representing seven NBL clubs have been chosen but the broader squad of 24 remains in contention to be selected for future games in the qualifying process.
Three members of the Adelaide 36ers in Mitch Creek, Matt Hodgson and Nathan Sobey will represent the Boomers while the Perth Wildcats (Angus Brandt and Damian Martin), Sydney Kings (Jason Cadee and Brad Newley) and Cairns Taipains (Cameron Gliddon and Mitch McCarron) feature two players.
Rounding out the side are Chris Goulding from Melbourne United, Illawarra Hawks’ Nick Kay and Daniel Kickert of the Brisbane Bullets.
“The quality of talent that we have to select from is pleasing and reflects on the healthy state of Australian basketball as well as the NBL,” said Boomers coach, Andrej Lemanis.
“There are a lot of players putting their hand up for selection and, in the end, we have tried to keep some continuity from the FIBA Asia Cup as well as adding two Rio Olympians.”
While this team is set to represent the Boomers through the first window of the World Cup qualifiers in November, Lemanis still has the broader squad at his disposal during the coming month and beyond.
“The depth of the squad is important because over the course of this campaign the squad needs to remain fluid in terms of players coming in and out.
“With this new format, we have the ability to alter the team between game one and game two of each window, as well as for the future windows.
“Injuries and form will play their part and the willingness of players to step in to wear the green and gold and play in the manner honouring the legacy of the singlet at a moments notice is critical to our overall chance of success.
“I cannot over emphasise the importance of everyone in the squad – they are all contributing to the success of the team.”
The Boomers’ first contest will be against Chinese Taipei on November 24 before they fly home directly to face Japan in Adelaide on November 27.
“It’s our first game of real consequence on home soil since the 2015 Olympic qualifiers,” said Lemanis.
“It’s a great opportunity for the Adelaide fans to come out and see the national team. Adelaide fans are always vocal and passionate and know their basketball so it’s going to be fun for sure.”
Thanks to the new FIBA qualification process, Australian fans will have more opportunities than ever to see the Boomers in action.
Qualifying games will be held in Australia consistently over the next 16 months and the Boomers will compete in three windows over a home/away series through November 2017 – July 2018 in their first steps towards the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Their schedule is as follows:
Window 1– November 24, 2017: Chinese Taipei vs. Australia (AWAY)
November 27, 2017: Australia vs. Japan at Adelaide
Window 2– February 22, 2018: Australia vs. Philippines TBA
February 25, 2018: Australia vs. Chinese Taipei TBA
Window 3– June 29, 2018: Japan vs. Australia (AWAY)
July 2, 2018: Philippines vs. Australia (AWAY)
Get your tickets for the clash in Adelaide on November 27 here.
For those unable to attend the game, a landmark deal between FOX Sports and FIBA will see every game of the Boomers lead-up to the 2019 FIBA World Cup as well as the World Cup itself broadcast on Foxtel.
The Australian Boomers team for the first window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers:
| NAME | NBL 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 |
| Damian Martin | Perth Wildcats |
| Mitch McCarron | Cairns Taipans |
| Brad Newley | Sydney Kings |
| Nathan Sobey | Adelaide 36ers |
2017 FIBA World Cup Qualifier:
Adelaide, South Australia
Titanium Security Arena
27 November 2017 at 7.00 pm
Australian Boomers v Japan
Media contact:
Lisa Hasker
Basketball Australia
0418 194 933
lisa.hasker@basketball.net.au
Basketball Australia
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