In-form NBL stars commit to FIBA window to play under the league’s brightest young mind

Some of the NBL’s biggest names will play for the Boomers in November’s FIBA window side coached by the league’s brightest young mind.

Some of the NBL’s biggest names will play for the Boomers in November’s FIBA window side coached by the league’s brightest young mind.

Olympic bronze-medal winners Chris Goulding, Nick Kay and Nathan Sobey have all committed for away Asia Cup qualifiers against Thailand and Korea.

The veteran trio will be joined in the green and gold by in-form NBL players, including Jack White, Jordan Hunter and Sam Froling.

NBL Most Improved Player candidate – Illawarra Hawks guard Dave Hickey – has been named to make his debut after excelling on the 3x3 stage.

The energy 😤

Davo Hickey scored 18 points and hit the game-tying shot in last season’s Playoff clash with United 👀

The Hawks will host Melbourne tonight at 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo 📺 pic.twitter.com/imcCTx3L5p

— NBL (@NBL) October 24, 2024

The Boomers will be coached by Melbourne United assistant Jacob Chance – an emerging mentor who is highly rated and deserves his shot.

Chance previously held assistant coach jobs at the Tasmania JackJumpers and Perth Wildcats, including a role in four NBL championships with the Wildcats.

The 31-year-old, who will be flanked by assistant coaches Kerry Williams and Robbie McKinlay, said he was thrilled to take the coaching reins.

New Boomers coach Jacob Chance.

“I’ve had a good depth of experience in professional basketball over the last decade with both the Boomers and in the NBL and 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.”

Originally published as In-form NBL stars commit to FIBA window to play under the league’s brightest young mind