THEY are the rising stars of the Illawarra Hawks’ quest to win a breakthrough NBL title.
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Now guard Mitch Norton will bring his defensive hustle and tower of strength Nick Kay offers emerging on-court presence in the Boomers camp, before their Asia Cup campaign.
The 20-man squad will train on the Gold Coast next month, before the final group of 12 is chosen to compete in Lebanon in August.
“I’m really pleased with the group,” coach Andrej Lemanis said.
“There is a good mix of experienced Boomers campaigners and players getting their Boomers opportunity for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and watching this group develop.”
Australia has been drawn in Group D to play Japan, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong in the preliminary rounds of the 16-team.
Even if Kay and Norton miss out on the Asia Cup final squad, they are squarely in the frame for the World Cup Asian qualifiers in November.
However, star centre AJ Ogilvy – who has returned to Australia after a stint playing in the Iranian national league – was not included in the Boomers squad. “While we will take 12 guys to the FIBA Asia Cup, this is still a broader squad process in terms of the World Cup qualifiers,” Lemanis said.
“And there are still other guys that are not a part of this squad that can play a part in the qualifiers as well.
“We really are relying on the system and the heart of all involved to ensure we have the best opportunity for success in each qualifying window. All the guys have been great in their understanding as well as their desire to represent Australia and play their part in the Boomers success.”
American-bown former Hawks NBL MVP Kevin Lisch is also part of the Australian squad, having gained his citizenship last year.
The Boomers are ranked No.10 in the world.
- ASIA CUP CAMP
Camp: Gold Coast, July
FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon from August 8-20. Boomers squad: David Andersen (Melbourne United), Todd Blanchfield (Sydney Kings), Angus Brandt (Perth Wildcats), Jason Cadee (Kings), Mitch Creek (Adelaide 36ers), Cam Gliddon (Cairns Taipans), Chris Goudling (Melbourne), Matt Hodgson (36ers), Tom Jervis (Brisbane Bullets), Nick Kay (Illawarra Hawks), Daniel Kickert (Bullets), Kevin Lisch (Kings), Ben Madgen (Europe), Majok Majok (Melbourne), Mitch McCarron (Taipans), Brad Newley (Kings), Mitch Norton (Hawks), Nathan Sobey (36ers), Clint Steindl (Europe), Jesse Wagstaff (Wildcats).