Australia - Boomers to face Iran in Australia

Basketball Australia is pleased to announce that three games between the Australia Post Boomers and Iran have been scheduled for June.

In what will be known as the 'Boomers World Challenge', matches will be played at Challenge Stadium in Perth (Monday 16 June), Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide (Wednesday 18 June) and the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne (Friday 20 June).

The 'Boomers World Challenge' will act as a vital warm up in the countdown to Beijing, where Oceania Champions Australia and Asian Champions Iran have been drawn in the same group for the opening round of competition.

"We're delighted to have secured three games against Iran," Basketball Australia Chief Executive Scott Derwin said.

"We expect them as Asian Champions to be spirited competition and we hope the people of Perth, Adelaide an d Melbourne get to a game to support the Boomers and Australian basketball in this critical step toward Beijing."

In August 2007, Iran defeated Lebanon to win the 2007 FIBA Asia crown and qualified for its first men's basketball Olympic Games berth since 1948 while Australia, ranked 9th in the world, defeated New Zealand 2-1 to earn the right to play in Beijing.

While Iran has not yet named its player roster for the tour, if Iranian centre Jaber Rouzbahani, who stands at 226cm (7'5") with a wingspan of 244cm (8') and dunks the basketball without leaving the ground, is included he is sure to attract attention.

A full media guide for the event will be released at a later date. Tickets go on sale on May 16. See www.basketball.net.au for further details.