A future star, a reigning NBA champion, and a trio of Olympians headline a strong Australian Boomers lineup ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. This announcement sets the stage for an exciting campaign as the Boomers aim to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
Alex Ducas, fresh off his NBA Championship win with the Oklahoma City Thunder, joins rising sensation Dash Daniels — younger brother of Atlanta Hawks star, Dyson Daniels — with the pair representing the next generation of Australian basketball. They are set to team up with Boomers veterans Jack White, Will Magnay, and Nick Kay, all of whom were members of Australia’s 2024 Paris Olympic roster.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans
Daniels, who became the youngest Boomer since Ben Simmons to represent Australia at just 17 years old, is looking to build on his recent success. He played a pivotal role in helping the Boomers claim gold at the Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia, gaining invaluable experience ahead of his projected top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman will take the reins for the upcoming qualification window, stepping in for Adam Caporn. Caporn, who guided the Boomers to Asia Cup gold, is now focused on his in-season duties with the Washington Wizards. Vickerman commented on the squad’s composition, stating, “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.”
“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.” – Dean Vickerman
Squad Composition and Strategic Approach
The Boomers’ squad for the Asian Qualifiers is a blend of youth and experience, designed to tackle the challenges posed by their regional rivals. The 12-man roster includes:
- 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 core squad, the Boomers have also invited Tasmania JackJumpers guard Ben Ayre and two developing athletes Alex Dickeson & Ajak Nyuon from the Centre of Excellence. This strategic move aims to bolster the team’s depth and provide valuable experience to emerging talents.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
The Boomers will kick off their campaign against the New Zealand Tall Blacks, a team known for its competitive spirit and tactical prowess. The two-game series will be crucial in setting the tone for the qualification process:
- 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
As the Boomers prepare for these pivotal matches, the focus will be on integrating the new players into the team’s established framework while leveraging the experience of seasoned veterans. The blend of youthful energy and veteran savvy is expected to be a key factor in the Boomers’ success.
Looking forward, the Boomers’ performance in these qualifiers will not only impact their immediate World Cup aspirations but also shape the future of Australian basketball on the international stage. With a mix of emerging talent and proven performers, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming qualifiers and beyond.
