Cooks named in Boomers' 18-man World Cup squad

Australian coach Brian Goorjian has named his extended Boomers squad ahead of the upcoming FIBA World Cup, with 13 of the 18 players - including former Sydney King Xavier Cooks - selected boasting NBL experience.

The squad will take part in a training camp in Cairns in the lead-up to the competition, before a final roster of 12 is named ahead of the team’s opening clash against Finland on August 25.

Australian international mainstay Chris Goulding leads an NBL contingent of five players, alongside New Zealand’s Will McDowell-White, Illawarra’s Sam Froling and Perth’s Keanu Pinder.

Former NBL champions Xavier Cooks, Nick Kay, Jock Landale and Joe Ingles have also been included in the side, as has former NBL Next Star Josh Giddey.

BECOME A SYDNEY KINGS' NBL24 MEMBER NOW

10 of the 18 players selected were also part of Australia’s bronze medal-winning side of the Tokyo Olympics.

“Pulling together this extended squad has taken time – it’s been a thorough process," head coach Brian Goorjian said.

"The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I’m really pleased with where we’ve landed with the guys we’ve selected, there’s a good balance across the court.

“The fact it’s been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now and this extends back to all the pathway programs, the Centre of Excellence and the dedicated coaches who have been committed to growing our game, setting the standard, and getting us to this position."

The Boomers, whose staff features Kings physiotherapist David Hillard, open their group campaign against Finland – who could include NBA All-Star Lauri Markkanen in its side – on August 25.

Australia will then tackle Franz Wagner, Dennis Schroeder and the German national side on August 27, before finishing its group campaign against Japan on August 29.

The Boomers recorded their best-ever FIBA World Cup finish in the most recent edition of the tournament by placing fourth in 2019.

Ben Simmons is missing from the squad at this stage, but will likely come into consideration for a call-up closer to the tournament. 

Full squad

Xavier Cooks (Washington Wizards)
Dyson Daniels (New Orleans Pelicans)
Matthew Dellavedova (Sacramento Kings)
Dante Exum (Partizan Belgrade)
Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks)
Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Chris Goulding (Melbourne United)
Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks)
Joe Ingles (Milwaukee Bucks)
Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic)
Jock Landale (Phoenix Suns)
Thon Maker (Fujian Sturgeons)
Will McDowell-White (New Zealand Breakers)
Patty Mills (Brooklyn Nets)
Keanu Pinder (Perth Wildcats)
Duop Reath (Al Riyadi Club Beirut)
Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trailblazers)
Jack White (Denver Nuggets)

Boomers coaches and staff

Brian Goorjian, Head Coach
Matthew Nielsen, Assistant Coach
Adam Caporn, Assistant Coach
David Patrick, Assistant Coach
Jacob Chance, Head of Video and Analytics
Dr. Brendon Aubrey, Team Doctor
David Hillard, Head Physiotherapist
Ryan Carroll, Team Physiotherapist
Albert (Junior) Viarantuleo, Team Manager