On Wednesday the Australian Boomers tip off their Stankovic Cup campaign, taking on the home side, China (FIBA 9th). The following day the Boomers take on Slovenia (20th), who recently saw NBA player Beno Udrih walk out of training after a disagreement with the coach. Friday is the final preliminary game as they take on Iran (21st).
The Boomers are the defending champions and will be hoping to push through to the Finals again, with a relatively strong side on hand. Brett Brown’s squad includes a likely starting lineup of Patty Mills, Brad Newley, David Barlow, Matt Nielsen and David Andersen. The 12-man squad includes European-contracted big men Aron Baynes and AJ Ogilvy, who will both be fighting to ensure they keep their roster spot for the World Championships, from the likes of Luke Nevill and Alex Loughton, particularly as the squad expects the imminent arrival of centre Aleks Maric to their ranks.
[click through for roster]
Name / Height / Age / Position / Most Recent College or Pro Team
David ANDERSEN / 212cm / 30 / Centre / Houston Rockets (US)
David BARLOW / 205cm / 26 / Forward / CAI Zaragoza (Spain)
Aron BAYNES / 207cm / 23 / Centre / EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany)
Adam GIBSON / 188cm / 23 / Guard / Gold Coast Blaze
Joe INGLES / 203cm / 22 / Forward / CB Granada (Spain)
Steven MARKOVIC / 190cm / 25 / Guard / KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Serbia)
Damian MARTIN / 188cm / 25 / Guard / Perth Wildcats
Patrick MILLS / 183cm / 21 / Guard / Portland Trail Blazers (US)
Brad NEWLEY / 198cm / 25 / Guard / Besiktas (Turkey)
Matthew NIELSEN / 209cm / 32 / Forward / Olympiacos (Greece)
AJ OGILVY / 211cm / 22 / Centre / Besiktas (Turkey)
Mark WORTHINGTON / 202cm / 27 / Forward / Brose Baskets (Germany)
