Boom is back for second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers

Rising coaching star Jacob Chance will lead the Australian Boomers at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifying Tournament in Thailand this month.

The highly regarded 31-year-old, who has impressed in NBL assistant coaching roles with the Perth Wildcats, Tasmania Jack Jumpers and now Melbourne United and as Head of Video and Analytics for the Boomers has earned his opportunity to lead Australia in two fixtures against Thailand (November 21) and Korea (November 24) as qualification for next year’s tournament in Saudi Arabia begins.

Chance, who will be flanked by assistant coaches Kerry Williams and Robbie McKinlay, said he was thrilled to take the coaching reins.

“I’ve had a good depth of experience in professional basketball over the last decade with both the Boomers and in the NBL. Having exposure to major tournaments like the FIBA Asia Cup, World Cup, Olympics and other windows fills me with confidence for the challenge ahead,” Chance said.

“I’m really proud and also grateful to Basketball Australia and Jason Smith for backing in the pathway of Aussie coaches and I know Kerry, Robbie and myself will take plenty away from the experience.”

Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman praised Chance’s skillset and endorsed his appointment.

“My first interaction with Jacob was during my time with the Boomers program and seeing the elite way he worked was a big reason why we brought him to United,” Vickerman explained.

“I think there’s been a lot of conversations surrounding what the pathway is becoming as a Boomers coach and Jacob is a perfect example of a young Australian coach who has done all the right things. “

Jason Smith, Basketball Australia’s Executive GM of High Performance, said Chance, Williams and McKinlay demonstrated the calibre of talent in the coaching ranks.

“We’ve got three incredible coaches who are all experts in their areas and have a considerable depth of experience with both international and domestic programs,” he said.

“Jacob is what we need in this window with his skillset, compatibility and relationships with the playing group. We are entering an exciting phase of the program and we have the utmost confidence in this group as the process of selecting the next Boomers Head Coach commences.”

The Boomers team for Thailand features Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists Nick Kay, Chris Goulding and Nathan Sobey and a core of players with national experience in a range of tournaments and qualifying windows including Jack White, Sam Froling, Dejan Vasiljevic, Ben Henshall, Mitch Norton, Jordan Hunter and 18-year-old centre Rocco Zikarsky who are all currently competing in the NBL season.

Illawarra Hawks duo Will ‘Davo’ Hickey and Lachlan Olbrich will represent the Australian Boomers for the first time at senior international level.