THE AUSTRALIAN team for the 2025 FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup has been named, with the Crocs taking a strong team into the tournament, which is set to kick off next month and should showcase some of the exciting talent coming through the system.

The Asia Cup is set to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from August to September, and will see the best players from that age group in Asia and Oceania face off in an exciting tournament, with the playing field quite strong for 2025.

The last instalment of the tournament saw the Crocs claim gold over their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand in Doha. The Aussies proved too strong throughout the entire tournament and much of that team continues to represent the country at international level.

There is plenty of Victorian talent in the team, headlined by the star pairing of Max Pavey and Will Hamilton, who will both play a key role within the tournament. Both are playing VJBL U18 basketball and have been thriving despite playing above their age group. Pavey’s guard-like handle and excellent scoring ability will be a huge weapon, as will Hamilton’s immense physicality and athleticism.

They are two of the seven Victorian representatives along with Yahya Basaran, Lucas Byrne, Tom Dammers, Alex Mabbott and Josh McCann in a seriously strong sign for the state when it comes to producing exciting young talent.

Western Australia is represented by Alexander Edwards and Luke Paul, while Queensland has a pair of players in the squad in Andrew Watene and Isaiah Jorgenson. New South Wales has just the one player named in Antonio Browne, with the forward already bringing international experience to the table having represented Australia in the past.

The Crocs will be coached by Brisbane Bullets assistant Greg Vanderjagt, who will be hoping to bring some silverware home and is excited to lead the squad.

“Anytime you get the opportunity to represent Australia is an honour, having the opportunity to lead our nation in this campaign is something I am incredibly grateful for,” he said. 

“Competing the right way for our country with a group of young men who have a common purpose and goal is what I am most excited about. Seeing the growth and development of each of these athletes across the journey is incredibly rewarding for me.”

He also spoke highly of the playing field, with the Aussies set to face off against some seriously talented squads at the Asia Cup in the coming months.

“The athleticism and skill level of athletes is accelerating rapidly across the globe which presents us with significant challenges which we are ready to meet head on,” said Vanderjagt.  

“The international junior landscape is constantly growing in terms of the level of athletes and coaches who are participating for their nations. The challenges we will face at the Asia Cup are diverse and each day will present a different style for our team to combat,” said Vanderjagt. 

“From the speed and shooting of Japan, to the physicality of New Zealand to the sheer size of the Chinese group we will face we have to be flexible and adaptable in our planning each day to put our athletes in a position to have success.”