Lisch a step closer to Rio berth

US-born point guard Kevin Lisch, who only became an Australian citizen in March, has survived the next round of cuts for the Boomers' Rio Games team.

Kevin Lisch of the Perth Wildcats

US-born point guard Kevin Lisch has made the 17-man Boomers camp ahead of the Rio Olympics. (AAP)

American-born Kevin Lisch is a step closer to making his debut for the Australian men's basketball team after making the cut for the upcoming Olympic selection camp.

Reigning NBL MVP Lisch, who became an Australian citizen in March, was on Thursday included in a 17-man Boomers squad, cut from the initial group of 26.

Coach Andrej Lemanis has also named NBA youngster Dante Exum, despite doubts about his availability as he continues to recover from a knee reconstruction.

"Dante is going really well," Lemanis said.

"His rehab is on track but there are still hurdles to overcome in terms of being confident enough to compete on the world stage."

All 12 players who featured in the Boomers' successful Oceania Olympic qualifiers last year have kept their place, including Australia's seven NBA stars - Exum, Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova, Aron Baynes, Cameron Bairstow and Joe Ingles.

They have not trained together since August, and will only link up in Melbourne from July 5 for the 10-day camp just a month out from the Rio Games.

"You always want more time but it's the reality of the circumstances," said Lemanis.

"Apart from some Asian countries, it's also not too different than our competitors."

Boomers squad: David Andersen, Cameron Bairstow, Aron Baynes, Andrew Bogut, Ryan Broekhoff, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Adam Gibson, Cameron Gliddon, Chris Goulding, Joe Ingles, Nathan Jawai, Kevin Lisch, Damian Martin, Patty Mills, Brock Motum, Brad Newley.


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Source: AAP



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