Camp tips off for trio's Boomers

The Australian Boomers, featuring Kings duo Xavier Cooks and Jaylin Galloway, have officially begun their training camp on the Gold Coast, with their first hit-out set for Thursday against the University of Colorado — a key step in preparing for the 2025 Asia Cup.

New head coach Adam Caporn has liked what he’s seen early in camp, which features a blend of experienced leaders and exciting young talent all vying for a spot in the final squad.

“We’re learning how we are going to compete together,” Caporn said.

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“There are some challenges. Obviously, strategically, because you don’t have a lot of time, but what’s important is how we play and what we are about.

“We are going to play like an Australian team.”

There are many familiar faces on the Gold Coast as training camp begins, including Kings recruit Matthew Dellavedova and fellow Olympians Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, who won’t be part of the Asia Cup but are immersing themselves within the emerging squad to help anyway they can.

“It just speaks volumes to their commitment to the program,” Caporn said.

“A lot of people have busy schedules. Especially when you’re not playing, to come up to camp and workout… give us feedback, it speaks volumes of their commitment to the Boomers and it’s a big benefit to the group.”

The rest of the squad consists of some of the brightest young NBL stars, including Dash Daniels, Will Hickey,  and Owen Foxwell.

Former Tasmania JackJumpers champion Jack McVeigh is one of the more experienced members at camp, and he’s ready for another taste of Boomers action.

“This I what I live for. It’s the funnest basketball you can play,” he said.

“It’s with your best friends too. Guys you lived with as a teenager, guys you played with for many years.

“No one gets paid for this. We just come here because we love to play for Australia.”

The Boomers, who also have Kings' Andrew Bogut and David Hillard on the staff, will face the University of Colorado on Thursday, July 31 at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, with the game being broadcast live via Kayo at 6:30pm AEST.