BASKETBALL: A 20-man Australian men's basketball squad are heading into camp next month on the Gold Coast in preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup to be held in Lebanon from August 8-20.
From the camp, a team of 12 will head overseas immediately for a series of warm-up games which will then lead in directly to the FIBA Asia Cup.
The squad features a mix of NBL athletes and players coming off seasons in Europe (Ben Madgen and Clint Steindl) while three members of the Australian Rio Olympic team in Chris Goulding, Kevin Lisch and David Andersen will be joined by a number of new faces.
“I’m really pleased with the group,” said head coach Andrej Lemanis.
“There is a good mix of experienced Boomers campaigners and players getting their Boomers opportunity for the first time. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and watching this group develop.
“As we identified, the new FIBA format provides the opportunity for different guys to step in and show what they can do on the international stage and I’m looking forward to seeing it play out – the enthusiasm that new people bring to the group is always exciting to be around.”
While some players are getting their first experiences of the national team, the Emerging Boomers squad that has run parallel with the Boomers over the past few years means that every player is familiar with the system.
“I have had a touch-point with almost every member of the squad through the World University Games, Emerging Boomers or the NBL All-Star environment,” said Lemanis.
“That is proof that the system is working well and we’re able to continually work with a broader group and connect them to the Boomers culture.”
The Australian NBA contingent is not available for this tournament and injuries as well as personal commitments have also restricted some players from putting their hand up for the FIBA Asia Cup.
However, a broader squad will still be in contention for the team to compete at the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers which begin in November.
“The new qualification system means that the team must be fluid and those that do not make the FIBA Asia Cup will still be part of the broader squad moving forward,” said Lemanis.
“While we will take 12 guys to the FIBA Asia Cup, this is still a broader squad process in terms of the World Cup qualifiers and there are still other guys that are not a part of this squad that can play a part in the qualifiers as well.
“We really are relying on the system and the heart of all involved to ensure we have the best opportunity for success in each qualifying window.
“All the guys have been great in their understanding as well as their desire to represent Australia and play their part in the Boomers success.”
The draw for the FIBA Asia Cup was conducted late last month with the Helloworld Travel Boomers placed into Group D alongside Japan, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.
The full schedule is not yet available but the 16-team format for the FIBA Asia Cup will be played in a round robin group stage with the top three teams from each of the four groups advancing to the second phase.
The tournament will then be played in a knockout format from the Quarter-Finals onwards through the Semi-Finals and bronze and gold medal matches.
“We obviously want to win whenever we step on the floor, and the FIBA Asia Cup is no different.
“However, we need to maintain sight of the longer game here – which is ensuring we successfully navigate our way through the World Cup Qualification process so that we earn our place in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“The FIBA Asia Cup provides us with an opportunity to develop and find out about ourselves and where we might sit in the new Asia/Oceania zone.
“We are aiming to improve as a group, work on offensive and defensive understandings and develop the team culture that makes the Boomers who we are.”
The squad for the FIBA Asia Cup Camp:
| David | Andersen | Melbourne United |
| Todd | Blanchfield | Sydney Kings |
| Angus | Brandt | Perth Wildcats |
| Jason | Cadee | Sydney Kings |
| Mitch | Creek | Adelaide 36ers |
| Cam | Gliddon | Cairns Taipans |
| Chris | Goudling | Melbourne United |
| Matt | Hodgson | Adelaide 36ers |
| Tom | Jervis | Brisbane Bullets |
| Nic | Kay | Illawarra Hawks |
| Daniel | Kickert | Brisbane Bullets |
| Kevin | Lisch | Sydney Kings |
| Ben | Madgen | Europe |
| Majok | Majok | Melbourne United |
| Mitch | McCarron | Cairns Taipans |
| Brad | Newley | Sydney Kings |
| Mitch | Norton | Illawarra Hawks |
| Nathan | Sobey | Adelaide 36ers |
| Clint | Steindl | Europe |
| Jesse | Wagstaff | Perth Wildcats |
