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Australian Boomers Nick Kay, Jack White, and Elijah Pepper are the only players selected for the FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifiers who played against New Zealand in late November 2025.

Australia has already qualified for the World Cup after winning gold at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup and goes into its two-game series against Guam and the Philippines with a new-look line-up.

The 12-player squad includes three debutants: Brisbane Bullets guard Jacob Holt; Melbourne United's Tanner Krebs; and Cairns Taipans forward Kody Stattmann.

Australian Boomers – FIBA Window Two

• Mitch Creek – U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Romanian Liga Națională
• Sam Froling – Illawarra Hawks, NBL
• Jacob Holt – Brisbane Bullets, NBL
• Nick Kay – Shimane Susanoo, B.League
• Tanner Krebs – Melbourne United, NBL
• David Okwera – Perth Wildcats, NBL
• Elijah Pepper – Perth Wildcats, NBL
• Reyne Smith – Cairns Taipans, NBL
• Kody Stattmann – Cairns Taipans, NBL
• Isaac White – Adelaide 36ers, NBL
• Jack White – Mersin MSK, Basketbol Süper Ligi
• Tom Wilson – Melbourne United, NBL

GROUP A

GUM vs AUS Mangilao Village (GUM) — Thursday, February 26, 2026 @ 20:00

PHI vs AUS Manila (PHI) — Sunday, March 1, 2026 @ 22:30

Group A Standings

1. Philippines – GP: 2 │ W: 2 │ L: 0 │ Pts: 4 │ Pts+: 182 │ Pts-: 117 │ Diff: +65
2. Australia – GP: 2 │ W: 2 │ L: 0 │ Pts: 4 │ Pts+: 163 │ Pts-: 156 │ Diff: +7
3. New Zealand – GP: 2 │ W: 0 │ L: 2 │ Pts: 2 │ Pts+: 156 │ Pts-: 163 │ Diff: -7
4. Guam – GP: 2 │ W: 0 │ L: 2 │ Pts: 2 │ Pts+: 117 │ Pts-: 182 │ Diff: -65

The Boomers' veteran leadership remains intact with Nick Kay and Jack White returning as the squad's experienced anchors. Kay, plying his trade with Shimane Susanoo in Japan's B.League, brings his characteristic defensive ability and leadership to the frontcourt. White, who has been competing in Turkey's Basketbol Süper Ligi with Mersin MSK, adds crucial experience and versatility.

Perth Wildcats duo Elijah Pepper and David Okwera have developed a strong on-court chemistry throughout the NBL season. Their inclusion ensures continuity in the squad's rotation, while Cairns Taipans sharpshooter Reyne Smith, coming back from injury, offers proven deep-scoring ability.

The squad heavily features NBL talent. Illawarra centre Sam Froling returns after recovering from an Achilles injury from the Illawarra Hawks, while Mitch Creek, competing in Romania's Liga Națională with U-BT Cluj-Napoca, adds international experience and scoring versatility.

Adelaide 36ers' Isaac White and Melbourne United's Tom Wilson round out the selections, both having previously featured in FIBA qualifying tournaments.

Perth Wildcats' John Rillie will serve as head coach for this qualification window, supported by an experienced coaching staff. Luke Brennan from South East Melbourne Phoenix, Robbie McKinlay from the Centre of Excellence, and David Barlow from Melbourne United complete the coaching lineup.

The Boomers are sitting atop Group A following their impressive performances against New Zealand in the opening window.

These away fixtures represent a solid test for the squad, particularly for the three debutants who will experience international basketball for the first time. The Philippines, playing on home soil, will provide a hostile environment and stern examination of Australia's depth and character.

The inclusion of fresh talent alongside established veterans demonstrates Basketball Australia's commitment to developing the next generation while maintaining competitive standards. Holt's emergence with the Brisbane Bullets has been impressive, while Krebs has shown consistent growth with Melbourne United throughout the NBL season.

Stattmann's call-up rewards his solid contributions with the Cairns Taipans, adding another dimension to Australia's forward rotation. The trio will look to make immediate impacts as they try to establish themselves within the national team framework.