Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis has set his sights on leading Australia to a medal at this year's basketball World Cup in Spain, but the availability of star centre Andrew Bogut remains up in the air.
Bogut missed Golden State's NBA play-offs run due to a fractured rib, and the 29-year-old is yet to declare whether he'll be fit to take part in the August 30-September 14 World Cup.
The Boomers have never finished higher than fourth at either an Olympic Games or World Cup, and are currently ranked ninth in the world.
But with Patty Mills (San Antonio), Aron Baynes (San Antonio), Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland) and Bogut all plying their trade in the NBA, plus other emerging stars sprinkled across Europe, Lemanis is confident something special is brewing.
"We believe we've got the talent to go and get a medal," Lemanis said.
"The group has been together now for a period of time in some of those major events like the Olympic Games.
"The core of that group is still together and we believe that we can go and achieve something special.
"But of course it's not going to be easy."
Lemanis is hopeful rather than confident of having Bogut in his side.
"He's one of the best centres in the world. That's going to make a difference to any team," Lemanis said.
"His ability to block shots is certainly a difference maker.
"He's had a horror run of injuries over the last few years. We'll just continue to communicate with him and I'm sure he'll get a feel of where he's at shortly."
Lemanis will have an inexperienced squad at his disposal for the upcoming four-match series against China, which tips off in Perth on Thursday night.
Five players will make their senior debut, with emerging college star Angus Brandt joining Lucas Walker, Tom Jervis, Brock Motum and 17-year-old Jack McVeigh as the new kids on the block.
"It's one of the nice parts of the job to be able to tell someone they've made the team for the first time," Lemanis said.
"It's really pleasing to see the sense of pride is still in the Australian green and gold. You see the guys well up. It's a really nice moment."
Game two will be played in Perth on Saturday, before the series shifts to China for the final two games.
Boomers squad: Angus Brandt (Oregon State University), Cameron Gliddon (Cairns Taipans), Hugh Greenwood (University of New Mexico), Tom Jervis (Perth Wildcats), Ben Madgen (Sydney Kings), Rhys Martin (Wollongong Hawks), Jack McVeigh (BA Centre of Excellence), Brock Motum (Bologna), Luke Nevill (Taiwan Mobile), Clint Steindl (Cairns Taipans), Lucas Walker (Melbourne United), Mark Worthington (Melbourne United).
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