Report: Boomers to host MVP SGA for World Cup prep

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Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to headline a two-game exhibition series between the Boomers and Canada with the two countries in advanced discussions to face each other in the lead up to the 2027 FIBA World Cup, according to ESPN's Olgun Uluc.

Uluc reported the series between Australia and Canada would take place in mid-August, "with the host city still to be determined; negotiations remain active with multiple state governments with regard to where the two contests will be played, sources said".

Canada last played an exhibition series in Australia prior to the 2019 FIBA World Cup, where the Boomers also played against Team USA in two games at Marvel Stadium.

It's no surprise an exhibition between the two countries is being discussed, considering Canada's head coach Gordon Herbert is currently coaching the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL.

A series between Australia and Canada would see a host of NBA stars take to whichever city earns the right to host the event with Herbert's roster featuring SGA as well as Lu Dort, Dillon Brooks and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

While the Boomers are headlined by the likes of Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Jock Landale and potentially even Johnny Furphy, who is expected to return for the Indiana Pacers in January after recovering from an ACL injury last season.

The series will only go ahead if both teams qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar but with Australia and Canada both undefeated in their respective qualifying regions, it is expected they will compete at one of the two major events on the international basketball calendar.

Australian fans will have the opportunity to see a full-strength Canadian side for the first time after they only featured fringe NBA players in Cory Joseph, Khem Birch and and Kevin Pangos seven years ago in a two-game series at Perth's RAC Arena.

The World Cup will be new Boomers coach Adam Caporn's second major tournament in charge of the national team after leading them to the FIBA Asia Cup gold medal in 2025.

Caporn will have selection dilemmas on his hands with Matisse Thybulle starring for the currently undefeated Los Angeles Lakers since making the move from Portland but six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton is also in calculations after making his green and gold debut earlier this year. a