Kings pair headline Boomers squad for Kazakhstan clash

Sydney Kings pair Xavier Cooks and Dejan Vasiljevic will once again have the honour of representing their country, after being selected in the Australian Boomers’ squad for November’s FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying fixture against Kazakhstan.

The November 11 fixture at Republican Velodrome Saryarka will represent the first time Cooks’ will represent his country since 2021 while Vasiljevic played in the Boomers’ past two matches against Bahrain and Iran.

“It’s always a privilege to pull on the green and gold, especially after not being able to the last few windows,” Cooks said.

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“We have a really talented roster and I always enjoy playing alongside guys that I go against each week in the NBL - not to mention being able to do it alongside Kings teammate DJ too.

“I can’t wait to get to work, make our country proud and help lock in our spot at next year’s World Cup.”

Joining the Hoops Capital duo in Mike Kelly’s squad are Perth Wildcats’ Todd Blanchfield, Luke Travers and Mitch Norton, Centre of Excellence’s Rory Hawke and Alex Toohey, Adelaide 36ers’ Mitch McCarron, Illawarra Hawks' Sam Froling, Tasmania JackJumpers' Jack McVeigh, Shimane Susanoo Magic’s Nick Kay and Kagawa Five Arrows’ Angus Brandt.

The Boomers currently sit in first place in Group B, with an 8-0 record and need just one more win (from their fourth matches against Kazakhstan, Iran, Bahrain and Kazakhstan) to secure their spot at next August’s World Cup in Indonesia/Japan/the Philippines.