New faces freshen up Boomers

BASKETBALL: Australian coach Andrej Lemanis says the new-look and fresh-faced squad for the last two FIBA World Cup qualifying games will only build invaluable depth in the Boomers ranks.

The 12-man squad for the away games against Kazakhstan (February 22) and Iran (February 25) includes 10 debutants at senior international level with Australia’s NBA stars and players involved in the NBL finals not available for selection.

Former Adelaide star Mitch Creek – who recently took up a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA after starring for the Long Island Nets in the G-League – headlines the squad which has already qualified for the World Cup.

Lemanis said Creek would be the central figure.

“He’s going to be an important part of these two games with his experience and presence. He’ll be big for us,’’ he said.

“Creeky just bleeds the green and gold and it’s nice to reunite with him. He’s been doing great in the G-League.’’ Lemanis said blooding so many international rookies would help Australia’s “cupboard to remain stocked’’.

“To give these guys exposure at an international level is exciting for them and it’s exciting for us as a coaching staff,” he said.

“We identified at the beginning of the qualifying process that our depth of talent would be tested like never before and it is important for the future of our sport that we continue to develop and grow as broad a base as possible.

“We haven’t seen these guys for a while and it’s great to get a feel for how these guys fit on the international stage and what they have to offer in the Boomers environment.’’