Eight NBL Stars Named in Boomers Asia Cup Team

Friday, July 8, 2022

Hot off their unbeaten FIBA World Cup Qualifier games in Melbourne, the Australian Boomers are bound for the FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta to defend their title after winning gold in 2017.

In a NBL strong squad, eight of the 12 players in the Asia Cup team are from NBL teams including Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks), Mitch McCarron (Adelaide 36ers), Sam McDaniel (Tasmania JackJumpers), David Okwera (Melbourne United), Keanu Pinder (Cairns Taipans), Clint Steindl (Tasmania), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Illawarra) and Will McDowell-White (New Zealand Breakers).

Australia will be looking to find the top of the podium once again and confidence is high after a 6-0 performance in the Qualifiers.

Ten out of the 12 Boomers who played in Melbourne will make the trip to Indonesia. Matthew Dellavedova (rest), Jack White (NBA Summer League) and Jack McVeigh (injury) are unavailable to play.

Young Boomers, Tyrese Proctor and Alex Ducas, have an opportunity to rack up more game time following their Melbourne debuts, while Rhys Vague and Okwera will both come back into the line-up for their second Boomers appearances.

McCarron, Thon Maker and Froling’s international experience will be beneficial to a relatively young Boomers’ line-up, and after debuting at last week’s series, McDowell-White, Steindl, Pinder, Swaka Lo Buluk and McDaniel will each have another chance to make an impact in the green and gold.

Boomers’ Asia Cup Head Coach, Mike Kelly, is excited to pick up where the team left off in Melbourne.

“We are bringing an exciting group of players to compete for gold at the Asia Cup, we have a great blend of experience and talented young players,” Kelly said.

“I’m happy to have a lot of continuity with players, coaches and staff from our recent successful qualifiers in Melbourne.”

The FIBA Asia Cup tips off next Tuesday July 12^th when Australia take on Jordan at 6pm AEST.

Full schedule available here.

FIBA ASIA CUP BOOMERS TEAM:

Alex Ducas

Sam Froling

Thon Maker

Mitch McCarron

Sam McDaniel

David Okwera

Keanu Pinder

Tyrese Proctor