Former Crocs stars book ticket to Beirut in Boomers squad

FORMER Townsville Crocodiles stars Mitch Norton and Todd Blanchfield have won selection for the Australia Boomers Asia Cup team.

Townsville product North and Mackay junior Blanchfield showed enough in the recent selection camp to earn a spot in coach Andej Lemanis’ 12- man squad for the tournament.

Olympians David Andersen and Brad Newley headline a host of National Basketball League ( NBL) talent to compete in Australia’s first foray into the Asia Cup, held in Lebanon from August 8- 20.

Norton has thrived since the demise of the Crocodiles in the NBL, with the former Townsville captain excelling for the Illawarra Hawks last year in their run to the grand final series.

Blanchfield has enjoyed success with Melbourne United since leaving the Crocs the year before they became extinct, and the swingman will link with the Sydney Kings for the 201718 season

All Australian NBL clubs are represented in the squad and head coach Lemanis was impressed with the attitude of all his players at the Gold Coast selection camp.

“It is a great opportunity for the first- timers to get that international experience with the Boomers which will serve us well as we progress through the qualification process,” said the Boomers head coach.

“I know how much it means to them to be in a Boomers environment and every time you are around them, it reminds you just how lucky we are to be involved in a wonderful program with wonderful people.”

The Boomers will stay in camp until Thursday, July 27, before heading to Beirut, Lebanon, on August 2 for a series of practices and a lead- in game before their first official game on August 8.