Boomers to cap 10 players in Cup qualifiers
ILLAWARRA, Cairns and New Zealand have missed the NBL playoffs, but the season hasn’t been fruitless for some of their stars who have been recruited for Australia’s world title campaign.
Ten players are poised to debut for a Boomers squad containing only two capped players in the men’s basketball World Cup qualifiers against Kzakhstan and Iran in the next eight days.
Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis says as the window is before the NBL playoffs, it is a chance to blood new players with the national side.
“The NBL and clubs have been amazing in their support of the national team,” he said.
“We were conscious to work with the clubs, ensuring the welfare of all players and minimising the disruption for those players in the NBL finals. As a result, it opens up a wonderful opportunity new talent to shine.”
Despite the Illawarra Hawks’ humbling by the New Zealand Breakers on Thursday night, Tim Coenraad, Daniel Grida and Emmett Naar will all earn senior caps next week.
Former Snakes point guard Jarrad Weeks, Taipans vicecaptain Lucas Walker, Jack McVeigh and Harry Froling will also run on with the Boomers. for some
Walker has been recalled to the squad after featuring in the Commonwealth Games last year.
Star Taipans big man Nate Jawai was not selected for the squad, after starring for the green and gold in their last FIBA window. He has a sore knee and had limited play.
Sydney Kings point guard Tom Wilson has also been made available to start for the Boomers along with a number of internationally-based players.
NBA G-League star Isaac Humphries of the Erie Bayhawks, Jock Landale from Serbia’s Partizan and Mangok Mathiang from Italy’s Guerino Vanoli Basket will all debut for Australia next weekend.
“To give these guys exposure at an international level is exciting for them and it’s exciting for us as a coaching staff,” coach Lemanis said.