How to watch & talking points: Australia vs Syria

Syria v Australian Boomers
Friday, August 28, 7pm AEST
Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines

How to watch‍

The game will be live on ESPN from 7pm AEST.

How to follow & live scores

‍Live scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via FIBA website.

>> Visit Game Centre

Where things stand

All the points from Australia's six games in the first stage of qualifying for the World Cup will carry over to Phase two. The Boomers hold a small lead in Group E, sitting on top with 12 points, just ahead of Iran and Jordan who have 11 each.

The Boomers must finish top three to earn a place at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.

Australian Boomers squad

- Josh Bannan (Tasmania)
- Dash Daniels (South East Melbourne)
- Anthony Dell'Orso (Perth)
- Sam Froling (Illawarra)
- Angus Glover (South East Melbourne)
- Jacob Holt (Brisbane)
- Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic/Japan)
- Tanner Krebs (South East Melbourne)
- Max Mackinnon (Brisbane)
- Elijah Pepper (Perth)
- Luke Travers (Melbourne)
- Tom Wilson (Melbourne)

Talking points

NBL rookies get their chance
Recently signed NBL young guns Anthony Dell'Orso and Max Mackinnon will debut for the Boomers after returning to Australia to begin their professional careers with Perth and Brisbane respectively.

Both bring standout college resumes and an ability to shoot the ball at a high rate, adding further firepower to Australia's scoring options.

The Boomers set a FIBA Qualifying record of 24 made threes in the last window, and with Dell'Orso and Mackinnon in the fold, that scoring depth only grows heading into the crucial next phase.

Chance taken
Newly signed Melbourne United head coach Jacob Chance will take on head coach responsibilities for this window, in the absence of Adam Caporn (Washington Wizards) and Dean Vickerman (Nagasaki Velca).

"It's been a little while since I was directly involved in the program, but you know I'm really lucky with my role and connection to the program," Chance said.

"I've tried to stay as involved as I can from afar and took a little bit of a break for the FIBA Asia Cup, but I've been assisting remotely to implement our philosophies and style of play for the windows.

"It was awesome to see Capes (Adam Caporn) come in with the opportunity to lead as Head Coach in the Asia Cup and last window in Perth and a good opportunity for other guys too."

Familiar name, same jersey
South East Melbourne Phoenix Next Star Dash Daniels will get another opportunity to wear the green and gold in Manila, as he continues to build towards the NBA Draft and beyond.

Daniels was reportedly a standout during the Boomers camp two weeks ago at Courtside in Melbourne, alongside his brother Dyson.