Basketball Australia has officially announced the Boomers roster for the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers against New Zealand. This selection retains the core of the Asia Cup championship team and introduces veteran players to tackle the formidable challenge posed by the Tall Blacks.
The roster includes notable names such as Davo Hickey, Alex Ducas, Owen Foxwell, Josh Bannan, and Elijah Pepper. Other key players are Jack White, Dash Daniels, Will Magnay, Angus Glover, Jordan Hunter, Jaylin Galloway, and Nick Kay. Dean Vickerman will lead the team as Associate Head Coach while Adam Caporn fulfills his in-season duties with the Washington Wizards.
Vickerman, a seasoned coach with experience at both professional and national levels, emphasized the strategic approach for the qualifiers.
“We’ve got different dynamics compared to the Asia Cup for these windows as all players will be in-season, so selections will be based on a combination of health as well as form,” said Vickerman. “We have a lot of respect for our opponents (Tall Blacks) and we will need to find the right selection mix of prime players and rising stars.”
Guard Lineup
The Boomers’ guard lineup will feature familiar faces. Davo Hickey, Owen Foxwell, and Dash Daniels are set to take on pivotal roles. Angus Glover and Elijah Pepper will reunite on the court for the first time since the Trans-Tasman Throwdown in May, adding depth to the team’s backcourt.
Forwards and Centers
In the forwards category, Asia Cup MVP Jaylin Galloway will return for another stint with the Boomers, alongside Alex Ducas, who last donned the green and gold in 2023. Josh Bannan, who has been in impressive form with the JackJumpers, will bring his momentum into this FIBA window. Veteran Jack White will return home following a successful start with Mersin MSK in Turkey’s Basketbol Süper Ligi.
At the center position, the Boomers boast a blend of experience and leadership. Asia Cup captain Will Magnay will have the opportunity to play in front of his adopted home crowd in Hobart. Nick Kay, known for his reliability, will rise to the occasion, having averaged 17.4 points per game in 2025 with Shimane Susanoo Magic in Japan’s B-League. Rounding out the big men is Jordan Hunter, who continues to play a crucial role for SEM Phoenix in the NBL.
Extended Squad and Schedule
The Boomers will also welcome additional personnel into their camp, including Tasmania JackJumpers guard Ben Ayre and two developing athletes, Alex Dickeson and Ajak Nyuon, from the Centre of Excellence.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers will feature two games against the Tall Blacks. Hobart has been chosen as the official host city for this event, supported by the Tasmanian Government. This marks a significant opportunity for local fans to witness high-level international basketball.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of the Boomers’ roster comes at a pivotal time for Australian basketball, as the team seeks to build on its recent successes and continue its dominance in the region. The inclusion of both seasoned veterans and emerging talents reflects a strategic balance aimed at ensuring competitive performances in the qualifiers.
As the Boomers prepare for their matches against New Zealand, basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this blend of experience and youth performs on the international stage. The outcomes of these games will not only impact the team’s standing in the qualifiers but also set the tone for their journey towards the 2027 World Cup.
