Rising stars set to debut for Boomers

The business end of FIBA World Cup qualification has arrived, and the Australian Boomers have selected their squad, headlined by 11 current NBL players, for this month's fixtures.

Australia will meet Group E opponents Syria (August 28) and Jordan (August 30) in a Manila double-header played at Mall of Asia Arena.

The fixtures will also see Brisbane's Max Mackinnon and Perth's Anthony Dell'Orso debut for the Boomers, alongside a range of emerging and returning veteran stars.

They include South East Melbourne's Dash Daniels, Tanner Krebs and Angus Glover, Melbourne's Luke Travers and Tom Wilson, Illawarra's Sam Froling, Brisbane's Jacob Holt, Tasmania's Josh Bannan and Perth's Elijah Pepper - with two-time NBL champion Nick Kay rounding out the squad.

Jacob Chance will fill Head Coach responsibilities in the absence of Adam Caporn (Washington Wizards) and Dean Vickerman (Nagasaki Velca).

"It's been a little while since I was directly involved in the program, but you know I'm really lucky with my role and connection to the program," Chance said.

"I've tried to stay as involved as I can from afar and took a little bit of a break for the FIBA Asia Cup, but I've been assisting remotely to implement our philosophies and style of play for the windows.

"It was awesome to see Capes (Adam Caporn) come in with the opportunity to lead as Head Coach in the Asia Cup and last window in Perth and a good opportunity for other guys too."

Chance and Caporn share a long-standing connection originating from Western Australia and as co-assistants in the Boomers program over the last decade.

The pair caught up in person in Melbourne recently to discuss the Boomers, coaching and the upcoming window.

"I think the most important thing I can do for him is help with the continuity in the windows, as the other staff have done when they're in this position," Chance said.

"We've got such a great coaching support network led by Capes and Deano (Dean Vickerman), and when me and the other coaches come in, our job is just to echo the same messages.

"Echo what it means to play for Australia and how important these windows are.

"We're really excited about this group. It's obviously a tricky time of the year with teams into deep pre-seasons all around the world. But, you know, we love the mix of guys who have played before, a couple of newer guys coming into the fold, and you're seeing some guys return that have been out for a while.

"As always, we've got a bunch of selfless team-first characters that are coming in to do their absolute best for their country and do their best for our program. This is an important window for us as they all are."

Chance will be flanked by John Rillie (Perth) and Gerard Martin (Phoenix Valley Suns).

The games against Syria and Jordan will begin Phase Two of Qatar's qualification.

The Boomers need to finish top three in Group E to automatically qualify for the major tournament next year.

The matchups tip off at 7pm AEST on Friday, August 28 and Sunday, August 30 broadcast on ESPN.

Australian Boomers squad:

- Josh Bannan (Tasmania)
- Dash Daniels (South East Melbourne)
- Anthony Dell'Orso (Perth)
- Sam Froling (Illawarra)
- Angus Glover (South East Melbourne)
- Jacob Holt (Brisbane)
- Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic/Japan)
- Tanner Krebs (South East Melbourne)
- Mac Mackinnon (Brisbane)
- Elijah Pepper (Perth)
- Luke Travers (Melbourne)
- Tom Wilson (Melbourne)

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup schedule:

- Australia v Syria - Friday, August 28 - 7pm AEST
- Australia v Jordan - Sunday, August 30 - 7pm AEST