Dellavedova, Maker back for Boomers in Window 3
SYDNEY (Australia) - Basketball Australia (BAS) have formally announced the 12-player roster for the upcoming third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
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The lineup is headlined by the return of Tokyo Olympic medalist, Matthew Dellavedova. The defensive-minded guard also played in Window 3 of the last World Cup Qualifiers against Japan and the Philippines.
Joining Dellavedova as a returnee from Window 3 of the previous Qualifiers is Thon Maker. Both will be facing Japan once again in this Window and are also scheduled to play against China twice.
| Australias' 12-player roster for the June Window | ||
| Matthew Dellavedova | Mitch McCarron | Will McDowell White |
| Sam McDaniel | Wani Swaka Lo Buluk | Todd Blanchfield |
| Clint Steindl | Jack White | Jack McVeigh |
| Keanu Pinder | Thon Maker | Sam Froling |
Other veterans on the team includes Mitch McCarron and Todd Blanchfield, both of whom donned the green and gold jerseys while winning the Asia Cup 2017 title.
There will be a number of players suiting up as a Boomer for the first time, one of them being former youth national team standout, Jack White.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to represent the Boomers ever since I started taking basketball seriously. I’ve been fortunate enough to represent Australia three times at junior and university events, there is nothing that comes close to the feeling of wearing the green and gold and playing for your country,” White said, as per BAS.
“I’m so excited for the opportunity to represent the Boomers at this event, especially on home soil in front of Australian fans, friends and family and I know it will be a special moment I’ll never forget.”
The Boomers will be coached by Brian Goorjian for the first event since the Tokyo Olympics.
“I’m really excited by the depth of basketball talent in Australia, we have put together a competitive list of players, six who are playing as Boomers for the first time. We know what China and Japan will bring to the table and what it will take for the win.”
“We can expect Thon Maker at 7 feet to be a significant asset for us, alongside Delly, White and Froling there is a lot to like with this group. We only have a short time to train together, but we will make it count, I know the home crowd will give us the advantage,” said Goorjian, also per BAS.
In Window 3, Australia will be playing at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne, Australia. They start off the window against China on June 30 and will play them again on July 3. In between on July 1 is a rematch against Japan.
FIBA
