Boomers’ Extended Squad Revealed for World Cup

The Australian Boomers have named their extended 18-man squad ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, featuring a record number of NBA players and Tokyo bronze medallists.

For the first time, the Boomers have ten current NBA players in their squad including Patty Mills, Matisse Thybulle, Joe Ingles, Jock Landale, Josh Green, Matthew Dellavedova, Xavier Cooks, Jack White, Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey.

As some of the youngest members, Giddey recently capped off a successful second season for Oklahoma City in the NBA, averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists, while point guard Daniels, who was taken at pick 8 in the NBA draft last year, just finished his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The extended squad will take part in a training camp in Cairns in the lead up to the World Cup, before the final roster of 12 is named ahead of the team’s opening game in Japan on August 25.

The announcement of the extended squad follows the official draw which took place on Saturday 29 April, confirming the Boomers will take on host nation Japan, as well as Finland and Germany in the first group stage.

Australian Boomers Head Coach, Brian Goorjian, said the extended squad marks another milestone on the road to the World Cup and gives the coaches plenty of options.

“Pulling together this extended squad has taken time – it’s been a thorough process. The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I’m really pleased with where we’ve landed with the guys we’ve selected, there’s a good balance across the court,” Goorjian said.

“The fact it’s been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now and this extends back to all the pathway programs, the Centre of Excellence and the dedicated coaches who have been committed to growing our game, setting the standard, and getting us to this position.

“After the draw took place around a week ago and we know who and where we’re playing, we’re excited and eager to get stuck in and prepare for what will be an extremely challenging tournament.”

NBA rising star, Giddey, said he was looking forward to representing his country.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Boomers and representing Australia, so to get this opportunity is really special and I’m looking forward to competing at the World Cup,” Giddey said.

“There’s a lot of talent in this squad and I think we’ve got a good chance of matching it with every team – I’m excited for the challenge and to see what we can produce as a group on the world stage.”

The 2023 FIBA World Cup runs from 25 August to 10 September and for the first time, will be co-hosted between three nations – The Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

For more information about the 2023 FIBA World Cup, click here.