THE 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup kicks off in just 18 days, and the Australian Boomers have already began making their potential roster clearer ahead of the start date on August 25.

The Boomers announced an 18-man squad just a few weeks ago, but that was reduced to 15 yesterday, as a trio of talented Aussies were told they were not required for the warm-up games in Melbourne.

NBL talents Keanu Pinder and Sam Froling were not selected, alongside former NBA talent Thon Maker.

Australia has always had a plethora of big men at its disposal, and that has become the case even more so this year, with the emergence of some skilled frontcourt guns, both in domestic and international competitions.

NBL MVP Xavier Cooks has emerged as one of the best on the Boomers list, and the Washington Wizard will be tough to keep out of the squad, as will Duop Reath, who had one of the better campaigns in the NBA Summer League recently.

The likes of Jock Landale and Nick Kay are always solid options too, and boast plenty of experience in the green and gold, which could give them the advantage over some of the players listed above given they excel in FIBA basketball.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian expressed his disappointment to send Pinder, Froling and Maker home yesterday.

“This is an elite squad with so much talent, there is no easy way to make cuts, but the reality is that we only get to take 12 into Okinawa. Would I take all of these players if I could? Absolutely, but that’s the hardest part of sport. You have to make the cuts, we have to keep moving forward,” said Goorjian.

“I have the utmost respect for Sam, Thon and Keanu and their contribution here in Cairns, their work rate has been exceptional. On and off court they have demonstrated the highest level of professionalism.

“They are the best in the field for a reason and of course I’m disappointed that they can’t come through with us, but they all respect the process and came into the camp understanding what we are all here to achieve.”

The Boomers will face off against Venezuela, Brazil and South Sudan in a trio of warm-up matches that will give the team a chance to finalise the list.

The selection committee will have another tough decision to make ahead of the tournament, with all of the players on the extended list bringing something to the table in one way or another, and the Boomers boasting one of the talented lists they have seen in decades.

Of the 15 players currently on the roster, 12 will make the final cut and represent Australia at the World Cup.

Australian Boomers extended squad

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