Australia Striving for Three-Peat

PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) – As the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship nears, the Australian men are riding a rising star on their quest to a third consecutive gold medal.

“Impressive” Furphy prepared to guide Australian Men

Having just turned 17, Jacob Furphy has already accomplished a great deal donning the green and gold.

The guard was selected for the FIBA U17 World Cup last year, and averaged 8.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and two assists per game.

“Jacob is highly respected amongst the group by his fellow teammates for his work ethic on and off the floor,” Australia Head Coach, Robbie McKinlay said.

Hailing from Tasmania, Furphy parlayed that triumph into a scholarship with the NBA Global Academy, where he suited up in the U20 Nationals and was selected to compete in the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia Camp.  On the final day of the four-day BWB Camp, Furphy drilled a game-winning shot that wowed fellow attendees. 

Since the age of five, Furphy has played basketball, at first competing in both basketball and AFL (Australian Football League), before zoning in on the hardwood.  A young player who is developing his game style on and off the court, Coach McKinlay said his basketball IQ and mature style of play is what sets him apart.

“He is a player whose growth has impressed me,” Coach McKinlay said.

Furphy now has his sights set on guiding Australia to a third consecutive gold medal at the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship.

Three-Peat in the Making?

Australia’s full squad has been released, with Head Coach, McKinlay looking forward to the challenge in Port Moresby.

“We have completed our selection camp and have picked 10 players to represent Australia,” Coach McKinlay said.  “We are focusing on coming together as a group and to play the Australian style of basketball.”

In 2019, Team Australia swept the tournament’s Group A before defeating Tahiti in the semi-finals and New Zealand in the finals, polishing off a perfect 5-0 record.

Coach McKinlay and his team have their sights set on a three-peat.

“The mindset this group has is knowing the importance of representing Australia and the expectations that come with wearing the green and gold,” Coach McKinlay said.  “The Australian style of play, playing hard and being a great teammate, will be at the forefront of their minds.”

The 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championships will be hosted by the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby at Sir John Guise Stadium from October 2 to 6.  The Championships serve as the first step in the qualification process to the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup.  The top two placed teams at the 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championships qualify to the 2024 FIBA U18 Asian Championships.

Sam Brief