The wait is finally over for the Airbnb Australian Under 17 Men’s Team as they prepare for their opening game against Japan at the 2014 FIBA Under 17 World Championships in Dubai, beginning on Friday.
Fresh from a challenging European preparation, the Airbnb Australians are ready for their Group B examination against the Japanese, France and Canada in what shapes as a vital stretch of three games in four days.
Fans can see all the action from Dubai LIVE online with the 2014 FIBA Under 17 World Championship streaming online through the FIBA YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/FIBA) and LiveBasketball.TV.
From the group stage, the tournament goes into the knockout phase, with Australia’s Group B crossing over with Group A, which contains Angola, Greece and defending World Champions – the USA.
The excitement surrounding the current crop of players coming through the Under 17 ranks is at an all-time high, with Head Coach Mark Watkins picking a squad with size, athleticism and skill at their disposal.
The Basketball Australia National Centre of Excellence has a strong presence in the final team, with no fewer than six scholarship holders getting the chance to represent their country on the world stage.
Among the seven players are Abiola Akintola, Harrison Froling, Deng Gak, Isaac Humphries, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jackson White and Thomas Wilson, who will be joined by Victorian duo Matthew Owies and Trent McMullan. New South Wales pair Jayden Hodgson and Kouat Noi round out the team along with Tasmanian Kyle Clark.
The Airbnb Australians will open their tournament against Japan on Friday 8 August before games against France (Saturday 9 August) and Canada (Monday 11 August) leading into the knockout phase and the Final on Saturday 16 August.
The group stage games and first knockout round will be streaming LIVE on the FIBA YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/FIBA), with the quarter finals through to the Final on LiveBasketball.TV.
CLICK HERE for the full schedule for the 2014 FIBA Under 17 World Championships.
Airbnb Australian Under 17 Men’s Team 2014 FIBA U17 World Championships Fixtures
Airbnb Australian U17 Men v Japan Friday 8 August @ Al-Shabab Arena 7:30pm (All times AEST)
Watch: FIBA YouTube Channel Airbnb Australian U17 Men v France Saturday 9 August @ Al-Ahli Arena 10:30pm
Watch: FIBA YouTube Channel Airbnb Australian U17 Men v Canada Monday 11 August @ Al-Ahli Arena 10:30pm
Watch: FIBA YouTube Channel
Airbnb Australian Under 17 Men’s Team – 2014 FIBA Under 17 World Championships
Abiola Akintola VICM/CoE
Kyle Clark TAS
Harrison Froling QLDN/CoE
Deng Gak NSWM/CoE
Jayden Hodgson NSWC
Isaac Humphries NSWM/CoE
Trent McMullan VICC
Kouat Noi NSWC
Matthew Owies VICM
Dejan Vasiljevic VICM/CoE
Jackson White VICC/CoE
Thomas Wilson VICM/CoE
Staff: Head Coach – Mark Watkins Assistant Coaches – Jamie O’Loughlin, Justin Schueller Manager – Jason Membrey Doctor – Brendon Aubrey Physiotherapist – Bruce Anderson.
For the latest news, results and info from the 2014 FIBA Under 17 World Championships in Dubai, UAE be sure to visit the Basketball Australia website at www.basketball.net.au.
