WITH the World Cup approaching at a rapid pace, the Australian Boomers have announced their extended squad for the tournament, boasting one of the most talented lists the country has seen in quite some time.

Recently, FIBA held the official draw for the 2023 World Cup, with the Boomers set to face the likes of Germany, Finland and Japan in the group stage. Although there is some stiff competition amongst those teams, Aussies will be encouraged by the strength of their squad.

Headlining the team’s inclusions are NBA trio Josh Giddey, Josh Green and Dyson Daniels, with the three players slotting into the world’s biggest league seamlessly over the past couple of seasons.

Giddey is renowned as one of the best passers in world basketball, and will thrive at FIBA level in that sense. However, he has shown plenty of scoring capabilities during the 2022/23 NBA season, and is able to create his own shot if given the opportunity, making him one of the most dangerous players on the team.

Daniels on the other hand has excelled as a defender, often taking the opposition’s best player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, and looks a readymade FIBA player.

Alongside Matisse Thybulle – who returns to the side after performing strongly during the Tokyo Olympics – Daniels will form an excellent defensive duo and make life extremely difficult for the opposition’s most dangerous guards and wings.

Green also enjoyed a strong campaign at NBA level, starting 21 games for the Dallas Mavericks in his third season with the team, and enjoying somewhat of a breakout year. He showed his scoring potential when some of the team’s biggest names missed through injury, and will add another dimension to the Boomers’ already dynamic offence

The trio will be inserted to the team alongside experienced campaigners Patrick Mills and Joe Ingles, who have been loyal servants to the team for the past decade. With their international careers winding down, expect the pair to push extremely hard for a maiden gold medal, especially considering this is the strongest support they have had at this level.

Rounding out the NBA talent are Xavier Cooks, Jock Landale, Jack White and Matthew Dellavedova, further demonstrating the strength of Australian basketball at the moment. Landale in particular has been in strong form for the Phoenix Suns, playing big minutes and showcasing his skill as a defender and rebounder, with both assets set to come in handy for the Boomers.

The notable omissions include Aron Baynes and Mitch Creek, with head coach Brian Goorjian explaining there was simply not enough room for either player in the squad.

Plenty has been made about Ben Simmons not being named, but Goorjian also stated that he is focussing on his injury recovery, and if he is available in the next few months, the former NBA number one pick will be included.

Australian Boomers extended squad

Xavier Cooks
Dyson Daniels
Matthew Dellavedova
Dante Exum
Sam Froling
Josh Giddey
Chris Goulding
Josh Green
Joe Ingles
Nick Kay
Jock Landale
Thon Maker
Will McDowell-White
Patty Mills
Keanu Pinder
Duop Reath
Matisse Thybulle
Jack White