Kings trio headline Australian team for Japan's Nissay Cup

Australia’s next wave of Boomers, including Sydney Kings' Alex Toohey, Keli Leaupepe and Tyler Robertson, will be provided further opportunity to develop on the international stage with upcoming fixtures in Japan on June 22 and 23.  
  
These three young Kings will headline the Australia select team, set to be coached by Dean Vickerman,  that will travel to Japan for the Nissay Cup 2024. 

Joining the Hoops Capital trio in the 12-person squad are Brisbane's Rocco Zikarsky and Mitch Norton, Perth's Ben Henshall and Elijah Pepper, Melbourne's Kyle Bowen, Illawarra's Sam Froling and Breakers' Mitch McCarron, as well as college stars Alex Condon (Florida) and Reyne Smith (Charlestown).  

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With limited opportunities available across the international calendar, Jason Smith, Basketball Australia’s EGM of High Performance has reinforced the importance of providing additional avenues for players.  

“This tour of Asia helps us bring a broader group across our senior teams together and reinforce that they are a part of the whole,” said Smith, who made 175 appearances for the Kings during his playing career.

“The Boomers aren’t defined by the final 12 that eventually head to tournaments like the Olympics but a sum of every player that contributes and competes.

“Our aspiration continues in providing a multi-faceted system where every player feels supported in their journey as an Australian basketballer.

"This starts from their days as a junior representative on to the biggest stages in the world.” 

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There is a clear objective mirrored in the selections with young guns featuring alongside a host of career pros and seasoned veterans. 

An abundance of basketball talent has created a good kind of problem for Smith and the High Performance team who are committed to a holistic process.  

“Our players have a relationship with our programs in different shapes and forms over their careers and we are conscious of the demands that this game takes on each player, physically and mentally," Smith said.

“We remain in communication with all of our players throughout the process and their insights and expectations play an essential part in their development.

"We are committed to providing as much opportunity as we can to invest in the improvement of our future.”

The two Nissay Cup games at Japan's Hokkaido Sports Center will tip-off at 3.30pm AEST (June 22) and 5pm AEDT (June 23)