Australian Squad Bound For Japan

Australia’s next wave of Boomers will be provided further opportunity to develop on the international stage with upcoming fixtures in Japan on 22 –23 June.
  
Young guns Rocco Zikarsky, Ben Henshall, Alex Toohey and Alex Condon have been named for the Australia Select team that will travel to Japan to compete in the 2024 Nippon Life Cup.

Illawarra Hawks big man Sam Froling and NZ Breakers guard Mitch McCarron have also been called up, adding experience with previous reps at the international level. 

Other inclusions from the NBL include off-season signings Elijah Pepper (Perth Wildcats) and Keli Leaupepe (Sydney Kings), Melbourne United forward Kyle Bowen and Brisbane veteran Mitch Norton.   

Two other Aussies plying their trade at the collegiate level have been named with the University of Portland’s Tyler Robertson and Charleston Cougars’ Reyne Smith. 
 
Young stars Johnny Furphy and Tyrese Proctor were in the mix but were unable to join the team due to prior commitments in the USA.  
 
With limited opportunities available across the international calendar, Jason Smith, Basketball Australia’s EGM of High Performance has reinforced the importance of providing additional avenues for players. 

“This tour of Asia helps us bring a broader group across our senior teams together and reinforce that they are a part of the whole,” said Smith. 
  
“The Boomers aren’t defined by the final 12 that eventually head to tournaments like the Olympics but a sum of every player that contributes and competes. 
  
“Our aspiration continues in providing a multi-faceted system where every player feels supported in their journey as an Australian basketballer. This starts from their days as a junior representative on to the biggest stages in the world.”  

There is a clear objective mirrored in the selections with young guns featuring alongside a host of career pros and seasoned veterans.  
  
An abundance of basketball talent has created a good kind of problem for Smith and the High Performance team who are committed to a holistic process.  
  
“Our players have a relationship with our programs in different shapes and forms over their careers and we are conscious of the demands that this game takes on each player, physically and mentally,” Smith added. 

“We remain in communication with all of our players throughout the process and their insights and expectations play an essential part in their development. We are committed to providing as much opportunity as we can to invest in the improvement of our future.” 

A selected group from that series will return to attend training camp in late June with the Olympic-select Boomers squad in Melbourne.

NIPPON LIFE CUP 2024   

Australia Select vs Japan  
 
22 June | 2:30pm (AEST) – 2:00pm (ACST) – 12:30pm (AWST) 
23 June | 4:00pm (AEST) – 3:30pm (ACST) – 2:00pm (AWST) 

Hokkaido Sports Center – Hokkaido, Japan