MELBOURNE (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Basketball Australia just released their 24-man pool for the second window, and it's a veritable who's-who of the NBL's finest talents.

Leading the way for the Boomers is 7ft 0in (2.12m) big man Daniel Johnson, who averages 16.3 points per game for the Adelaide 36ers and is one of the NBL's top scorers. Another marquee call-up is Mitch Creek, who was among Australia's breakout stars in 2017. Creek was among the best players at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 and continue his solid play in the Boomers' two wins int the first window.

Aside from Creek, the other players who suited up in the first window will return to the pool. This includes dominant slotman Daniel Kickert and the crack backcourt tandem of Nicholas Kay and Jason Cadee. The new names in the pool who were at neither the Asia Cup 2017 nor the first window are Anthony Drmic, Isaac Humphries, Kevin Lisch, Alex Loughton, Damian Martin, Clinton Steindl, Jesse Wagstaff and Lucas Walker.

Head coach Andrej Lemanis explained his selections by emphasizing continuity and experience at the international level.

"Continuity is important in the team, especially with the limited preparation time in the FIBA qualification windows," he said. "In addition, current NBL form is taken into consideration, as is past performance at international level, injury status and the unique challenges of the upcoming opponents."

Lemanis is preparing his squad to face similarly unbeaten Philippines on 22 February before hosting erstwhile winless Chinese Taipei on 25 February. both games will be played at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne.

Lemanis bears in mind that he may switch up certain players in between those fixtures to better match up against their foes.

“THIS NEW FIBA FORMAT REQUIRES A COMMITMENT FROM THE GUYS TO THE GREATER GOOD OF THE NATIONAL TEAM, AND I’VE BEEN HUMBLED BY THE TREMENDOUS ATTITUDE AND COMMITMENT EVERY PLAYER HAS SHOWN IN THAT REGARD” - Lemanis

"It is important to note that under the new system, the team can change between the Philippines and Chinese Taipei games," he explained. "This new FIBA format requires a commitment from the guys to the greater good of the national team, and I’ve been humbled by the tremendous attitude and commitment every player has shown in that regard."

The Boomers are heavily favored to notch two more wins in the second window, and doing so means they will practically secure their place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

FIBA