AUS - Newley wants Boomers to play in Gran Canaria

LAS PALMAS (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Australia's Brad Newley is thriving in Las Palmas, where he is in his second year with Herbalife Gran Canaria.

Known for his physical, tough-as-nails approach on both ends of the floor, Newley is averaging more than 11 points in 26 minutes per game.

The 28-year-old poured in a season-high 21 points in the club's last outing, an 83-78 triumph at Fuenlabrada.

Nearing the half-way point of the 2013-14 campaign, the Canary Islanders are third in the standings with 10 wins and just four defeats.

They are assured of a spot in the Copa del Rey.

"The Copa place is clinched but we have to remain focused and keep growing in every game," he said.

With Newley playing a big role in 2012-13, Herbalife reached the Semi-Finals of the Cope del Rey and the Liga Endesa play-offs.

In less than a month, Newley will discover were he and his other team, Australia, will play when the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup is held in Spain.

The draw for the 24-team competition will be held in Barcelona on 3 February.

Newley is keeping his fingers crossed that the venue for the Boomers' games will be Las Palmas, which he has likened in the past to Townsville, Australia, the place where he started his career.

"I want to play in Gran Canaria, wearing the shirt of my country," he said.

Newley has been a big part of the Australia national team set-up since 2005.

After averaging 17.6 points and 4.1 rebounds at the 2005 FIBA U21 World Championship for Men, the Boomers included the 1.99m forward in their squad for the FIBA Oceania Championship.

He represented Australia at the 2006 and 2010 FIBA World Championships as well as the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Australia are No. 9 in the FIBA Ranking Men.

FIBA