NBA's Thon Maker to earn Boomers debut

Australia will have two NBA players at their disposal when they play World Cup qualifiers against Japan and the Philippines.

File image of Milwaukee Bucks' Thon Maker dunking during a game.

Thon Maker has scored a spot in the Boomers squad for two World Cup qualifiers. (AAP)

NBA centre Thon Maker will officially pledge his allegiances to Australia when he lines up for the Boomers in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Sudan-born Maker will line up for Australia in away games against Japan on June 29 and the Philippines on July 2.

The 21-year-old spent part of his schooling life in America and Canada, but has always expressed his desire to represent Australia.

His games against Japan and Philippines will cement him as a Boomer.

Australia have already earned a spot in the second round of World Cup qualifiers after winning their first four games.

But with points carrying over into the second round, there is still plenty to play for.

Maker has spent the past two years at NBA outfit Milwaukee, playing limited minutes off the bench.

Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis is keen to have the 216cm giant at his disposal.

"This is an exciting time for us as a team and for Thon as well," Lemanis said.

"I'm really pleased for him that all the work he has put in to this point will now be rewarded with an opportunity to play for Australia.

"We have been following his progress and keeping in contact for a number of years now and he has always said he wants to play for Australia - it's great for him that goal is now being realised.

"It is also really exciting for the Sudanese community who now call Australia home. Thon is a wonderful representative and role model who will inspire others to strive for success in their chosen field."

Maker's teammate at the Bucks, Matthew Dellavedova, will also link up with the Boomers squad, but they will be the team's only NBA players for the upcoming games.

Mitch McCarron returns from a stint in Slovenia, while five NBL clubs are represented by the remaining nine players.

The Boomers will head into camp in Melbourne on June 21 before departing for Japan on June 25.

BOOMERS SQUAD

Angus Brandt - Perth Wildcats

Jason Cadee - Brisbane Bullets

Matthew Dellavedova - Milwaukee Bucks

Cameron Gliddon - Brisbane Bullets

Chris Goulding - Melbourne United

Nick Kay - Perth Wildcats

Daniel Kickert - Sydney Kings

Kevin Lisch - Sydney Kings

Mitch McCarron - Olimpija Ljubljana

Thon Maker - Milwaukee Bucks

Nathan Sobey - Adelaide 36ers

Jesse Wagstaff - Perth Wildcats


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Source: AAP


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