Olympic medalist, Asia Cup champion Nick Kay leads charge for young Boomers in Window 2
MELBOURNE (Australia) - Basketball Australia (BA) released their 17-player roster for the upcoming second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers today.
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The Boomers are situated in Group B where they will be playing against Chinese Taipei (February 25 and 28) and Japan (February 27) in this window. These games will be situated in a "bubble" at the Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan.
| Australia's 17-player roster for the February Window | ||||
| Kyle Zunic | Sean McDonald | Alexander Mudronja | Tyrese Proctor | Jaylin Galloway |
| Akoldah Gak | David Okwera | Nick Kay | Angus Brandt | Rhys Vague |
| Emmett Naar | Makuach Maluach | Craig Moller | Harry Wessels | Bol Dengdit |
| Zac Triplett | Nicholas Marshall | |||
Nick Kay is expected to lead the charge for Australia in this window as one of the most experienced players on the team, having recently won an Olympics medal from Tokyo as well as winning the FIBA Asia Cup from back in 2017. Aside from his Olympics run with the Boomers, Kay also has experience playing in Japan, having played in Japan’s B.League for the past few seasons.
With the majority of the squad being up and coming prospects, Kay is expected to take on a large leadership role.
"I take any opportunity I can to play for the Boomers and am looking forward to taking on more of a leadership role. Hopefully my experience in Japan will be helpful and I can’t wait to get to know the young fellas," said Kay.
Another veteran on the roster is Angus Brandt who like Kay played for the Asia Cup 2017 championship squad and is also playing in Japan’s B.League. Kay and Brandt are joined by Rhys Vague as players on this roster who are currently playing in Japan.
Three players return from Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers appearances including David Okwera, Harry Wessels, and 17-year-old Tyrese Proctor, who is the youngest player named to this Asian Qualifiers team.
"I’m really honoured to be selected and get the opportunity to go to Japan with the Boomers and represent my country," said Proctor.
The aforementioned Okwera was also a part of the U19 World Cup 2021 squad along with Jaylin Galloway, Akoldah Gak, and Bol Dengdit who are all listed for the upcoming games in Window 2.
This is a young squad for Australia that will be hungry for experience against solid teams, ready to be guided by Rob Beveridge who has been appointed as head coach for this window.
"I am really excited about coaching these up-and-coming future stars and exposing them to what it means to be part of the Boomers program," said Beveridge.
FIBA
