BOOMERS MAKE ONE CHANGE FOR FIBA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER VS. KAZAKHSTAN

The Boomers will complete the fourth window of qualifiers against Kazakhstan and a victory would all but secure their place at the 2019 FIBA World Cup with four qualifying games still remaining after Monday night.

Goulding will replace Jesse Wagstaff and returns as the Boomers’ leading scorer through the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, averaging 15 points per game, shooting at 78% from inside the arc while also adding two assists and a steal per contest.

“When we selected Jesse into the team for the Qatar game it was with the understanding that Chris would come in for him in the second game of the window”, said Boomers head coach Andrej Lemanis.

“We are so lucky and blessed to have guys who are fantastic to work with and completely committed to the cause.

“Jesse’s attitude of coming into the side and being prepared to play for one game is really pleasing and reflective of the entire team’s attitude – always proud to wear the green and gold and ready to contribute whenever required.

“It’s exciting to have Chris back in the group. He’s done everything right by the Boomers program so we wanted to reward him and I know he’s happy to be back with the team as well.”

After playing three consecutive games on the road, the Boomers are back on home soil for the first time since February.

They will host Kazakhstan at the new Bendigo Stadium and Lemanis and the team are excited to hit the refurbished court and play in front of a home crowd.

“I have spent some time in Bendigo as a player and coach in the past and know just how passionate the crowds are so it will be great to have them all on our side.”

Currently sitting on top of Group F ahead of Iran, Philippines, Japan, Kazakhstan and Qatar, the Boomers only need to finish in the top three to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Following this clash against Kazakhstan, they head to Melbourne for a double-header on November 30 and December 3 against Iran and Qatar. Package deals and last minute tickets for Monday night’s clash against Kazakhstan can now be purchased here.

The Australian Boomers Schedule for the second round of FIBA World Cup qualifiers (all times AEST):

September 14: Australia def. Qatar (95-43)
September 17: Australia vs. Kazakhstan at Bendigo Stadium, Victoria at 7pm.
November 30: Australia vs. Iran at Margaret Court Arena, Victoria. Time TBA.
December 3: Australia vs. Qatar at Margaret Court Arena, Victoria. Time TBA.
February 21: Australia vs. Kazakhstan. Time TBA.
February 24: Australia vs. Iran. Time TBA.

The Australian Boomers Team for the FIBA World Cup qualifier vs. Kazakhstan on September 17:

NAME	CLUB
Todd Blanchfield	Illawarra Hawks
Angus Brandt	Perth Wildcats
Jason Cadee	Brisbane Bullets
Anthony Drmic	Adelaide 36ers
Chris Goulding	Melbourne United
Matt Hodgson	Brisbane Bullets
Daniel Johnson	Adelaide 36ers
Nick Kay	Perth Wildcats
Kevin Lisch	Sydney Kings
Mitch McCarron	Melbourne United
Mitch Norton	Perth Wildcats
Nathan Sobey	Adelaide 36ers

The Australian Boomers have made one change to their team that defeated Qatar with Chris Goulding returning ahead of their FIBA World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in Bendigo on Monday night.