On the eve of their elimination clash with Slovenia on Sunday (0100 Monday AEST), the young Australians insist they can compete with not only the impressive Slovenian outfit, but any country left in the draw.
"For sure, without a shadow of a doubt. That's an easy question," captain Matt Nielsen told AAP from their new base in Istanbul among the other teams in the round of 16.
"I really believe our guys do believe that and you never want to look too far ahead, but we belong in this hotel and belong to stay here for the next week.
"It's a massive opportunity. You're never going to get any easy games at this stage of a world championships, but Slovenia's a team we believe we can compete with and have a good crack at.
"We've played them twice recently (for one win each), it's just up to us coming prepared and sticking to the game-plan."
Centre David Andersen is still suffering from a stomach problem but is expected to play in Australia's potent big man line-up alongside Nielsen and Aleks Maric.
Slovenia lack the profile of medal fancies the United States, Spain, Argentina and the host nation, but they finished second to the US in Group B and have a deep line-up that will severely test Australia defensively.
Their strength lies in what Nielsen labelled their "three-headed point guard position" made up of Phoenix Suns playmaker Goran Dragic and European veterans Jaka Lakovic and Sani Becirovic.
They also have talent under the basket, led by Milwaukee Bucks centre Primoz Brezec and former NBA forward Bostjan Nachbar.
Nielsen has spent most of the last decade playing in Europe and has respect for Slovenia, but is backing his teammates, including Boomers floor leader Patty Mills.
"They're good in that point guard position offensively, but it's not like I look over and see that there's someone that can flat-out shut Patty down," he said.
"That's exciting for Patty and he's done a great job of trying to pick his times and to run a team, which is a learning thing for him.
"I'm sure he's up for the challenge."
Nielsen, 32, who was kept out of the 2006 world titles over an insurance bungle, knows this opportunity may not come around again.
"You should always feel that, you never know if you'll be back in this position," he said.
"We feel good about ourselves and know it's a great opportunity to do something special and we're only 40 minutes away from putting ourselves in the top eight in the world.
"We're going to enjoy it and have a crack."
