BA Boomers Feature World Cup

The Boomers bag three from three at FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

March 1, 2022

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For a team who had never played a game together, a fresh Boomers lineup has come away from their three-game FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying event undefeated.

First-time Boomers’ captain, Nick Kay led the charge across all three games, as the big man contributed at both ends of the court. Averaging 14 points, almost 10 rebounds and seven assists for the event, Kay rounded out an impressive string of performances with a triple-double (14-11-10) in the final match against Chinese Taipei.

With nine players making their first senior national team appearance at the Asian qualifiers, Kay was impressed with the new faces on the team and their ability to perform together with minimal to no preparation. The Boomers’ undefeated status comes as a nod to the depth of talent within the national squad.

“It was a fantastic experience representing the Boomers in the qualifiers in Japan. The pride and passion the guys showed in wearing the uniform made me proud to be a part of this young group and it truly shows the depth of talent we have in Australia,” Kay told BA Media.

“The guys did a tremendous service to themselves in the way they played and handled themselves on and off the court and have shown, when called upon, they can and will represent the Boomers culture and program the right way.”

 

Bolstering the experience within the team, fellow B-leaguer and 6’10” big man, Angus Brandt’s (32) basketball knowledge and even contribution across the three games proved valuable on the floor. Meanwhile, debutant and youngest on the team, Jaylin Galloway (19) started to get a taste of senior national level competition, as his contribution on the scoreboard per game grew throughout the tournament.

A winning performance that highlighted the whole team, the likes of Emmet Naar, Craig Moller, Kyle Zunic, Sean McDonald and Alex Mudronja were granted extra minutes while David Okwera, Akoldah Gak and Bol Dengdit were slowly introduced.

 

Handed over the reins from Brian Goorjian for this event, head coach Rob Beveridge considers the qualifiers a job well done and is delighted with the level of talent given the opportunity.

“I’m very very proud of this team. We got here and only had two training sessions before the first game where we got to learn each other, our system of play and the way the plays come together,” Beveridge said post the final match.

“For us to come away with three very good wins with very limited preparation, I’m very pleased.”

A Boomers team with an average age of 24, Beveridge reiterated the collaborative effort at all national team levels that allowed this group to quickly adapt to the game plan.

“We’ve generated a great culture in Australia with the style of game that we play, our players at all four levels (U17, U19 World University and Boomers) they know the style of game, we play up-tempo, we move the ball, we’re unselfish. No matter who comes into the program, they know it’s not about them individually, it’s about how they fit in doing the best of their ability for their country. This was wonderful for the younger players to come in and see it and for our older players to lead the way.”

“We’ve got a job to do, for us to qualify for the World Cup. These guys are part of the Boomers program, and every single one of us, including me, have the responsibility to prepare a team (for the World Cup).”

Finishing the qualifiers sitting atop Group B, Australia will look ahead to the third window of the first qualifying round, set to take place in June.

Asian Qualifying Tournament record:

Australia defeat Chinese Taipei: 98-61

Australia defeat Japan: 80-64

Australia defeat Chinese Taipei: 90-71

 

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