Ang Australya ay may pag-asang manguna sa Group B kung patuloy silang mananalo, pagkatapos ng pagka-panalo nila sa Chinese Taipei at Japan noong Disyembre
Ang koponan na naglaro noong unang laro nila sa qualifier ang mananatiling manlalaro at lahat ng pitong koponan ng NBL ay may kinatawan din, ayon sa pahayag sa medya na inilabas ng Basketball Australia.
Kasama sa 24 na manlalaro na lahat ay naglalaro sa NBL sina Nathan Sobey, Mitch Creek, Nick Kay, Matthew Hodgson at Jason Cadee
“The squad is selected in order to give us the best opportunity for success for the upcoming games,” pahayag ng coach Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis.
Sa twitter account, ipinahayag ng Basketball Australia ang panganib na dulot ng @SmartGilas
“Continuity is important in the team, especially with the limited preparation time in the FIBA qualification windows. This is why the Asia Cup campaign was so important- it was there that we had the opportunity to build on who we are as a team and having a core group of those players available for each of the windows is key.
“In addition, current NBL form is taken into consideration, as is past performance at international level, injury status and the unique challenges of the upcoming opponents. We are fortunate to have such a depth of talent in the NBL and as always, that means some good players miss out.”
Bago maganap ang laban sa Pilipinas, ipagpapatuloy ni Lemanis at nag kanyang staff ang pag-monitor sa porma ng grupo sa NBL at rerepasuhin din nila ang magagandang match-up para sa dalawang kalabn
“It is important to note that under the new system, the team can change between the Philippines and Chinese Taipei games,” pahayag ni Lemanis
“This new FIBA format requires a commitment from the guys to the greater good of the national team and I’ve been humbled by the tremendous attitude and commitment every player has shown in that regard.”
