Two fresh faces and an imposing Boomers veteran have been added to the national squad to contest the fifth phase of World Cup qualifiers in Melbourne next month.
Sydney Kings guard Kyle Adnam and Adelaide's Harry Froling have earned their first senior squad call-ups while former NBA centre Nathan Jawai, now playing with Cairns, is also in the mix.
Booming back: veteran centre Nathan Jawai has earned a recall for Australia’s World Cup qualifiers in Melbourne next month.Credit:AAP
The 24-man squad will be whittled down next month ahead of games against Iran (November 30) and Qatar (December 3), with the Boomers able to secure their place at China's showpiece event with twin victories.
Jawai burst onto the scene with the Taipans in 2007 before becoming the first indigenous Australian to play in the NBA. He then forged a successful career in Europe.
A string of peculiar health and injury setbacks, including a scary bout of dizziness after a knock to the head that hospitalised him while playing in Turkey, threatened to derail his career.
Jawai faces stiff opposition within the domestic-based squad to play next month, let alone when the country's host of NBA and European talent become available for selection next year.
But, fit and in his third season since returning to Australia, the imposing 32-year-old has at least put himself in a position to add to his 2014 World Cup memories.
Perth big Tom Jervis has also returned to the squad while former Adelaide captain Mitch Creek – now training with NBA G-League outfit Long Island Nets – has been included.
The Boomers beat Iran 79-56 in the Asia Cup final last year and will be keen to consolidate their spot in China with another polished performance at Margaret Court Arena.
"This will be another important window for us," Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis said.
"I know we're all looking forward to the match-up with Iran- we had a great contest against them in the Asia Cup final.
"It has been great to see the impact of some of the younger guys in the early rounds of the NBL and it is nice to be able to recognise that with their inclusion into the extended team of 24."
The Boomers' final qualification phase includes games against Kazakhstan and Iran in February.
Boomers squad: Kyle Adnam, Cameron Bairstow, David Barlow, Todd Blanchfield, Angus Brandt, Jason Cadee, Mitchell Creek, Anthony Drmic, Harry Froling, Cameron Gliddon, Christopher Goulding, Matthew Hodgson, Nathan Jawai, Tom Jervis, Daniel Johnson, Nicholas Kay, Mitchell McCarron, Damian Martin, Craig Moller, Brad Newley, Mitchell Norton, Nathan Sobey, Clint Steindl, Jesse Wagstaff.
Source: Read Full Article