The 2023 FIBA World Cup is set to be a momentous event in the world of basketball, bringing together nations from around the globe to compete for ultimate glory. One team that has consistently made its mark on the international stage is Team Australia. With a rich basketball history and a roster filled with talented players, they are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament.
About The Australian National Basketball Team
Also nicknamed the Australian Boomers, their significance cannot be understated when it comes to international basketball. The team has consistently been a serious contender, showcasing their skills and competitiveness against the world's best teams. Over the years, they earned themselves the reputation of top competitors.
One key factor that sets Team Australia apart is their commitment to developing homegrown talent. Australian basketball has seen tremendous growth over recent years, producing exceptional players who have found success both domestically and internationally. This focus on nurturing local talent has allowed them to build formidable teams capable of challenging even the most seasoned opponents.
List of Players
The following is the list of the extended Australian National Team for the upcoming world cup:
Name | Position | Age |
Xavier Cooks | Power Forward | 27 years |
Dyson Daniels | Point Guard | 20 years |
Matthew Dellavedova | Point Guard | 32 years |
Dante Exum | Swingman (Guard/Forward) | 28 years |
Sam Froling | Center | 23 years |
Josh Giddey | Point Guard | 20 years |
Chris Goulding | Shooting Guard | 34 years |
Josh Green | Shooting Guard | 22 years |
Joe Ingles | Small Forward | 35 years |
Nick Kay | Power Forward | 30 years |
Jock Landale | Center | 27 years |
Thon Maker | Center | 26 years |
Will McDowell-White | Swingman (Guard/Forward) | 25 years |
Patty Mills | Point Guard | 34 years |
Keanu Pinder | Power Forward | 28 years |
Duop Reath | Power Forward | 27 years |
Matisse Thybulle | Small Forward | 26 years |
Jack White | Small Forward | 25 years |
*Note:
Swingmen are players who can play both guard and forward positions.
Mills brings veteran leadership along with his scoring prowess and ability to take control of crucial moments in games. On the other hand, Josh Giddy showcases incredible versatility as he excels in playmaking, scoring, and steals as we have seen in the NBA.
Moving onto forwards, Joe Ingles stands out as one of Australia's premier swingmen due to his shooting ability, and high basketball IQ. His presence adds another dimension to Team Australia's offensive game plan while providing stability on defense through his smart decision-making.
Furthermore, Thon Maker and Jock Landale hold down the fort in the frontcourt with their strength, physicality, and ability to protect the rim. Thon, known for his defensive,rugged playstyle and exceptional rebounding skills, adds a significant presence under the basket. Landale compliments him well with his scoring touch and versatility as a big man.
Key Matchups for Australia
It would be obvious to say that all matchups are going to be crucial for Australia. But the boomers’ chances to advance to Quarter-Finals will get easier if they can beat less difficult first-round opponents, Japan and Finland.
Germany will be the most testing of opponents for Australia as the German team has the excellent offense and ball control but are just above average in defense. Australia’s defense is the best among the teams in Group E which can be influential to the team’s qualification to the second round.
When the Australian team do reach the second round, they would have to be careful of team Slovenia (if the Aussies do finish No. 1 in Group E). Slovenia is far ahead of other Group F teams in a competitive edge and has the best chance to enter the second round and even the Quarter-Finals.
Slovenia’s all-around gameplay and ball movement are second to none and can find holes even in the best defensive teams similar to Australia. In the recent FIBA power rankings, they are ranked just below the Aussies at #5.
With an impressive lineup, Team Australia has all the necessary tools to make a deep run in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. They possess skill sets that make them top opponents throughout the tournament. Their cohesion as a team, combined with their talents makes them formidable opponents for any team they encounter on their quest for their first FIBA world championship.
FAQs
A. Team Australia is Ranked 3rd in the FIBA world rankings.
A. Team Australia has 10 NBA players in their 18-member roster for the upcoming world cup.
A. Team Australia is part of Group E. Teams from this group will play their games in Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan.