Next week, a thrilling preview of the future of Australian basketball awaits as the Boomers take the court in Bendigo, showcasing four talented NSW junior representatives among their ranks.
In an exciting development, six newcomers have secured spots in the 12-player Australian Boomers team set to compete against Korea in a 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifying match at the Red Energy Arena on Thursday, February 22.
Among these rising stars are Jordan Hunter (Norths Basketball) and Josh Dent (Illawarra Basketball), set to make their senior competition debut wearing the iconic green and gold jerseys. The team is further bolstered by the seasoned leadership of Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Nick Kay (Tamworth Basketball), who assumes the role of captain. Additionally, Isaac Humphries (Sutherland Basketball) seizes another opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage. Robbie McKinlay (Sutherland Basketball) has also been appointed as an Assistant Coach.
Basketball Australia Executive General Manager of High Performance Jason Smith said more FIBA windows presented the opportunity to blood young talent.
“We are looking to include Centre of Excellence athletes in the majority of our FIBA windows to give experience and exposure to candidates we believe will be future Australian Boomers.”
Australian Boomers Head Coach Brian Goorjian said basketball fans were in for a treat watching the next generation of players.
“I’m looking forward to our game in Bendigo, I hear it’s a full house so that’s going to provide a great atmosphere.
“There is a lot of interest in the young talent coming through and this will be a great opportunity for them to play alongside some of our most experienced players.
“It’s always an honour to coach the Boomers but there is always something special about playing at home and I know the Bendigo fans are in for a special night of basketball.”
| Australian Boomers team for FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying Game vs Korea | |
| Taran Armstrong | Jordan Hunter |
| Dejan Vasiljevic | Josh Bannan |
| Ben Henshall | Nick Marshall |
| Nicholas Kay | Rocco Zikarsky |
| Isaac Humphries | Kye Savage |
| Mitch McCarron | Josh Dent |
| Head Coach | Assistant Coach | Assistant Coach | Assistant Coach |
| Brian Goorjian | Jacob Chance | Kerry Williams | Robert McKinlay |
Media Release: Basketball Australia