Boomers name squad to take on New Zealand and Hong Kong

The Boomers have named preliminary 24-player squad for the upcoming Asia Cup qualifiers against New Zealand and Hong Kong – with those involved in the NBL finals given a break.

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The Australian Boomers have named a 24-player squad for its upcoming Asia Cup qualifiers against New Zealand and Hong Kong.

The Boomers will host the Tall Blacks in Brisbane on February 20 before travelling to Hong Kong for the February 23 assignment

Brisbane Bullets assistant coach and NBL great CJ Bruton has been added to the Boomers brains trust for next month’s FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

With head coach Brett Brown unavailable due to his NBA commitments, Sydney Kings head coach and Boomers assistant Will Weaver will take charge of the national team with Bruton joining his coaching staff.

Bruton served as a Boomers assistant coach at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and represented Australia as a player at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2006 World Cup and 2008 Olympics as well as winning six NBL titles.

Nathan Sobey will bring his World Cup experience. Photo: Michael Klein

Five Bullets players – Nathan Sobey, Cam Gliddon, Matt Hodgson, Jason Cadee and Will Magnay – have been named in a preliminary 24-man squad along with Cairns duo Kouat Noi and Mirko Djeric, Centre of Excellence star Tamuri Wigness and Queensland products Sam and Harry Froling.

Chris Goulding and Mitch Creek spearhead a seven-man strong Melbourne United and South East Melbourne contingent.

The squad also includes five players – Goulding, Creek, David Barlow, Sobey and Gliddon – who were part of Australia’s squad at last year’s World Cup.

Given the games fall between the end of the NBL regular season and the start of the play-offs, no players involved in the NBL finals series are likely to be picked. No Sydney or Perth players are in the 24-man squad.

Weaver said the Boomers program had enviable depth.

“We’re fortunate to have so many talented players eager to step up whenever they have the chance to represent Australia,” he said.

“It’s always a tremendous honour to be part of the Boomers program and we are excited for this group to start the journey of qualifying for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup on home soil against New Zealand in Brisbane.”

Bullets assistant coach CJ Bruton will make the step up. Photo: AAP Image/Richard Waugh

Bullets head coach and former Boomers boss Andrej Lemanis says it is a great opportunity for Bruton.

“CJ is a tremendous coach and a great person,” Lemanis said.

“His knowledge of the game and ability to connect with and influence players in a positive way will be of tremendous benefit to the national team.

“I’m pleased for CJ to be given this opportunity as he thoroughly deserves it and I think he has a lot to offer at the international level and is an important figure in the long term success of the national program.”

Boomers preliminary squad for FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on February 20 and 23:

Nathan Sobey, Cam Gliddon, Will Magnay, Matt Hodgson, Jason Cadee, Anthony Drmic, Harry Froling, Tamuri Wigness, Kouat Noi, Mirko Djeric, Josh Giddey, Todd Blanchfield, Daniel Grida, Emmett Naar, Sunday Dench, Sam Froling, Angus Glover, Chris Goulding, David Barlow, Mitch McCarron, Mitch Creek, Dane Pineau, Kyle Adnam, Adam Gibson.