MIES (Switzerland) - Fresh off a breakthrough year in Australia's youth pathway, rising star Luke Paul arrives at the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup carrying both momentum and maturity.
The MVP of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, Paul has already begun to build a resume that speaks to his talent - but his words reveal something even more important: a deep appreciation for what it means to wear the green-and-gold.
Putting the green and gold on... representing the players before you. You don’t take these things for granted.
Paul reflects on last year’s U16 triumph with a sense of pride anchored in tradition.
"[It] was a great experience to not only win gold for Australia, but to top it off with the MVP was pretty cool," he said. "But that wasn't the big thing for me, it was putting the green and gold on, not only representing your family, your state, and everyone back home, but representing the players before you.
"You don’t take these things for granted, as not many people get this opportunity to represent their country."
For Paul, each call-up is another reminder of the responsibility that comes with joining one of Australia’s most storied basketball pathways.
That sense of gratitude goes back to his earliest national team moment.
"Thinking back to the first call-up for the U15 Oceania camp honestly didn’t feel real," he said.
There was excitement, nerves, and the awareness that a lifelong dream was suddenly within reach. That dream now continues as he plays in the green-and-gold for the third time - an honor he insists is "never taken for granted." He added: "There are so many standards that past players have set… it pushes you to be the best version of you."
Australia enters the U17 Oceania Cup with clear expectations, and Paul embraces them.
"For myself and the team, the goal is to win a gold medal and qualify for the Asia Cup in 2026," he stated. His personal focus is simple and team-centered: consistency, tone-setting, and leadership. "Doing what the team needs… sticking to what I'm best at, and being a leader on and off the court."
Defensively, he wants to show his versatility - guarding multiple positions, applying pressure, and setting the standard. Offensively, he’s eager to showcase his shooting and decision-making within Australia’s system.
Motivation is not in short supply for the young guard. Being part of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) has only sharpened his hunger.
"The opportunity to keep proving myself and taking steps forward… understanding what the standard needs to be to be successful," he said. And beyond the court, the inspiration is personal. "Making my family proud is a big thing for me."
Being able to wear my last name on the back of my jersey is something I have always dreamed of and will always wear with pride."
While Paul is laser-focused on the moment, he’s also aware of the pathway that lies ahead - one walked by many Boomers stars before him.
"It's definitely something I think about… but staying focused on the present moment and getting better every day is important."
Among those who inspire him, Josh Giddey stands out.
"I have watched a lot of film on him, and have tried to put a lot of his game into my game," said Paul. "I think his composure and ability to get his teammates involved is something that I really strive on, as well as his ability to also get a bucket on his own is something I have also been working on myself."
As Australia looks to reinforce its dominance in the Oceania region, Luke Paul arrives as both a leader and a learner - driven by heritage, fueled by ambition, and ready to help guide the next generation of Boomers prospects.
The journey continues in the U17 Oceania Cup. And Luke Paul is ready.
FIBA