Edwards next man up as Jorgenson ruled out

• Every player at the 2026 Under-18 National Championships‍
• Victorious: Metro stars Madi Ryan and Ahmet Yahya Basaran land double gold
• U18 stars Lucas Byrne and Daisy Hocking earn U17 call-up

Queenslander Isaiah Jorgenson was been ruled out of the Australian Crocs' FIBA Under-17 Men's World Cup team ahead of next week's tournament in Istanbul.

He's been replaced by Western Australian Alex Edwards.

“As a group we are devastated for Isaiah and the unfortunate timing of his injury. While he won’t be able to join the group in Turkey, he is firmly a part of our success at the upcoming World Cup. Isaiah is the proud owner of an Oceania and Asia Cup gold medal, being an integral part of both teams,” head coach Greg Vanderjagt said.

“He has had an incredible impact on this program throughout the last two years and I have no doubt that he is just starting to scratch the surface of who he will be as a basketball player,” he added.

“This program is just the start of Isaiah’s green and gold journey, he’s got a lot to aim for over the next 12-18 months. We will ensure he remains connected to us while abroad and contributing in anyway he can.”

Four of Victoria Metro's dominant 2026 Under-18 National Championship team – Riak Akhuar, Ahmet Yahya Basaran, William Hamilton and Josh McCann – form part of the Crocs' core.

Victoria Metro won gold, beating NSW Metro 101-78 at the nationals in April. Basaran was elite with 18 points on 9-from-12 shooting and 12 rebounds, anchoring both ends.

West Australian NBL Next Star guard Luke Paul will  lead the backcourt alongside Andrew Watene and Tom Dammers, while versatile forward Antonio Browne, the only player from NSW, gives the Crocs flexibility across multiple positions.

Vanderjagt said Paul's teammate Edwards had earned his call-up.

“Alex has been a part of the program since our China tour last year and every time he pulls on the green and gold makes an immediate impact,” Vanderjagt added.

“His vital contributions in Asia helped us secure gold and we have no doubt he will have a significant impact again this campaign. He’s a high energy and versatile athlete who will impact the game in a variety of ways for us. Most importantly he’s a selfless, team first guy who is willing to sacrifice for our success”

Australia’s frontcourt rotation is built around length and mobility with John Aryang, McCann, Lucas Byrne, “Yaya” Basaran, Alexander Mabbott and Hamilton all providing size against elite international competition.

The FIBA Under-17 World Cup is in Istanbul between June 27 and and July 5, 2026. All games will be broadcast live on the FIBA YouTube channel.

Australian Crocs – Final 12 for FIBA U17 World Cup

• Riak Akhuar (Victoria Metro)
• John Aryang (Western Australia Metro)
• Ahmet Yahya Basaran (Victoria Metro)
• Antonio Browne (New South Wales Metro)
• Lucas Byrne (Victoria Country)
• Tom Dammers (Victoria Metro)
• William Hamilton (Victoria Country)
• Alexander Mabbott (Victoria)
• Josh McCann (Victoria Metro)
• Luke Paul (Western Australia Metro)
• Andrew Watene (Queensland South)
• Alex Edwards (Western Australia)

Injured: Isaiah Jorgenson (Queensland South)

The four players who were part of the extended 17-player squad but did not make the final Australian Crocs roster for the FIBA U17 World Cup are:

• Awak Machar (South Australia Metro)
• Emin Joldic (New South Wales Metro)
• Keenan Lawrence-Williams (South Australia Metro)
• Riley Saville (New South Wales Country)

Australian Crocs – FIBA U17 World Cup Schedule (AEST)

Saturday, June 27

• 🇦🇺 Australia vs Serbia — 9:45PM AEST

Sunday, June 28

• Côte d’Ivoire vs 🇦🇺 Australia — 7:30PM AEST

Wednesday, July 1

• Venezuela vs 🇦🇺 Australia — 12:30AM AEST

All games will be played in Istanbul, Türkiye.