Boys to men: Next generation Emus ready to rock world

• The Emus tip-off their FIBA U19 World Cup campaign against the USA on Sunday at 1.15am (AEST)
• Australia will be without big man Rocco Zikarsky, who was picked 45th in the NBA Draft
• Roman Siulepa, Jacob Furphy (UCONN) and Luke Fennell (Syracuse) will lead the Emus

No Rocco Zikarsky, no worries for the Australian Emus Under-19 men's basketball team ready to make some noise at the FIBA World Cup starting tomorrow — Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 1.15am in Switzerland.

Zikarsky, 18, was the first Australian player taken in the draft, at pick 45, by the Minnesota Timberwolves. It means he will immediately join the NBA club and is unavailable.

The group is headlined by Melbourne United’s Next Star Dash Daniels, a 6'5" guard projected 9th on ESPN’s 2026 NBA mock draft — and his performance this week in Switzerland is a significant opportunity to influence his draft stock.

Enigmatic forward Roman Siulepa is also anticipated to be a major piece to the Emus puzzle. Coming off a productive Adidas Eurocamp appearance last month, Siulepa has garnered excitement for years with his high flying, high motor dominance at the Australian youth level, but question marks around his translation to higher levels, and an NBL Next Stars deal with the Tasmania JackJumpers for NBL25 that fell through have left question marks about the Queenslanders future.

While not mocked on draft boards or considered within FIBA.com’s Top 20 prospects of the tournament, Siulepa has undeniable talent and will be a key factor in Australia’s success throughout the tournament.

Competing for Australia in Albert Schweitzer Cup, Zikarsky won tournament MVP, dominating with 20 points and nine rebounds in the gold medal game against Serbia to help Australia win gold for the second ever time in the event’s history.

His absence will leave a big hole for the Emus to fill in Switzerland, with 6'10" big man Ajak Nyoun expected to step up the most in his absence. Zikarsky’s absence on the roster will be replaced by New South Wales big man, Goc Malual.

The team is supported by a cast of elite, college-bound talent, including swingman Jacob Furphy (UCONN) and guard Luke Fennell (Syracuse).

Despite a medal-worthy lineup, Australia will be pushed to its limits in their group phase, facing international powerhouses USA and France, as well as Cameroon. Australia plays the USA in their first game at 1.15am Sunday AEST — a team of superstars led by projected No.2 overall pick AJ Dybantsa.

Thankfully, pool results will only influence knock-out seeding and not eliminate any teams, so Australia can survive losses within their pool and continue in the competition.

For a more detailed breakdown on the Emus roster, read the deeper preview here.

Under-19 Australian Emus

PG — Che Brogan | Alex Dickeson
SG — Dash Daniels | Luke Fennell
SF — Jacob Furphy | Nash Walker
PF — Roman Siulepa | Mading Kuany | Emmett Adair
C —  Ajak Nyoun | Goc Malual | Jack Whitbourn

The women’s FIBA Under 19 World Cup commences July 13.

About the Author

Michael Houben is an Australian basketball writer and scout based in Melbourne, Victoria. As well as covering the game as a journalist, Michael supports US colleges to identify and recruit Australian talent as the owner of Airtime Scouting, and supports grassroots athletes through Airtime Basketball.