Kings trump NBL rivals in Boomers squad

Sydney scores with three players named in Australian basketball squad ahead of Asia Cup

Sydney Kings player Brad Newley has retained his place in the Australian team to play the Asia Cup in Lebanon. Picture: Eric Gay

BASKETBALL: Three Sydney Kings players have been chosen in a 12-man Australian Boomers side to play in next month's FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon.

Brad Newley, Jason Cadee and Todd Blanchfield will don the green and gold to compete in the Boomers' first foray into the Asia Cup, to be held in Lebanon from August 8-20.

All Australian NBL clubs are represented in the Australian squad.

While Sydney provided three players there are two each from Adelaide 36ers, Illawarra Hawks and Cairns Taipans while Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets are also featured.

Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis is excited about the new line-up named this week. Picture: JULIAN SMITH

Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis said he can't wait to work with the new-look Boomers team as they launch into an exciting era in FIBA tournaments and qualification processes.

"It is a great opportunity for the first-timers to get that international experience with the Boomers which will serve us well as we progress through the qualification process,” Lemanis said.

"I've been so impressed and humbled with the attitude that everyone came into camp with.

"I know how much it means to them to be in a Boomers environment and every time you are around them, it reminds you just how lucky we are to be involved in a wonderful program with wonderful people.”

The Boomers will stay in camp until Thursday before heading to Lebanon on August 2 for a series of practices and a lead-in game before their first official game on August 8.

Originally published as Kings trump NBL rivals in Boomers squad