A future star, a reigning NBA champion, and a trio of Olympians headline a formidable Australian Boomers lineup as they gear up for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. The squad, announced today, features Alex Ducas, fresh off his NBA Championship win with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and rising sensation Dash Daniels, younger brother of Atlanta Hawks star Dyson Daniels. Together, they represent the promising next generation of Australian basketball talent.
Joining them are Boomers veterans Jack White, Will Magnay, and Nick Kay, all of whom were integral members of Australia’s 2024 Paris Olympic roster. This blend of experience and youthful exuberance is expected to provide a competitive edge as the team embarks on its qualification journey.
New Faces and Veteran Leadership
Dash Daniels, who made history by becoming the youngest Boomer since Ben Simmons to represent Australia at just 17, is poised to build on his recent successes. He was instrumental in helping the Boomers secure gold at the Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia, an achievement that has bolstered his reputation ahead of his expected top-10 selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman is set to take the helm for the upcoming qualification window. He steps in for Adam Caporn, who led the Boomers to Asia Cup glory and is now concentrating on his duties with the Washington Wizards. Vickerman acknowledges the unique challenges of this qualification period, noting the need to balance player health and form as all team members will be in-season.
“We’ve got different dynamics compared to the Asia Cup, as all players will be in-season, so selections will depend on a combination of health and form,” Vickerman said. “We have great respect for our opponents, the Tall Blacks, and we’ll need to find the right balance between experienced players and emerging stars.”
Squad Details and Strategic Insights
The Boomers’ Asia Qualifier squad is a testament to the depth of Australian basketball talent. Alongside Ducas and Daniels, the roster includes players such as Jack White (Mersin MSK, Turkey), Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers), Elijah Pepper (Perth Wildcats), and others who have proven their mettle in various international and domestic leagues.
- Jack White (Mersin MSK / Turkey)
- Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers)
- Elijah Pepper (Perth Wildcats)
- Josh Bannan (Tasmania JackJumpers)
- Alex Ducas (Brisbane Bullets)
- Dash Daniels (Melbourne United)
- Angus Glover (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
- Davo Hickey (Illawarra Hawks)
- Jordan Hunter (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
- Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic / Japan)
- Jaylin Galloway (Sydney Kings)
- Owen Foxwell (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
In addition to the 12-man roster, the Boomers have extended invitations to Tasmania JackJumpers guard Ben Ayre and two developing athletes, Alex Dickeson and Ajak Nyuon, from the Centre of Excellence. This move underscores the team’s commitment to nurturing future talent while maintaining competitive performance.
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations
The Boomers will kick off their campaign against the New Zealand Tall Blacks, facing them in two crucial games. The first match is scheduled for Friday, November 28, at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart, Tasmania, followed by the second game on Monday, December 1, at TSB Arena in Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-tara.
Game 1: Friday 28 November – 7:30 PM AEDT – MyState Bank Arena – Hobart, Tasmania
Game 2: Monday 1 December – 5:00 PM AEDT – TSB Arena – Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-tara
The announcement comes at a time when Australian basketball is experiencing a resurgence on the international stage. The Boomers’ recent successes, including their Olympic performance and Asia Cup victory, have heightened expectations for the team. As they prepare to face the Tall Blacks, the blend of emerging stars and seasoned veterans is expected to be a key factor in their quest for qualification.
Looking ahead, the Boomers’ performance in these qualifiers will not only determine their path to the World Cup but also set the tone for the future of Australian basketball. With a mix of strategic planning and raw talent, the team is poised to make a significant impact on the international basketball scene.
