Boomers & Tall Blacks Clash This Weekend in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
HOBART & WELLINGTON – Australia and New Zealand will battle on the basketball court this weekend as the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asia Qualifiers get underway. The two nations will face off first on November 30th at 7:30pm AEDT at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart,Tasmania,followed by a second match on December 1st at 5:00pm AEDT at TSB Arena in Wellington,new Zealand. These games mark the beginning of a crucial qualifying process, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
The matches pit Australia and New Zealand against each other in Group A, alongside the Philippines and Guam. The top three teams from each of the four qualifying groups will advance to a second round, and ultimately, eight teams from the Asia Qualifiers – plus host nation Qatar – will compete in the 2027 World Cup. This initial stage will see teams play two games each this weekend, with further fixtures scheduled for late February and July to complete the first group stage.
How to watch & Follow
Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can also stay updated through the NBL’s social media channels,which will provide preview and review shows,and also live scores and stats available at https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2027-asian-qualifiers/games.
Team Rosters
* Australia: Alex Dukes, Angus Glover, Ben Ayre, Dash daniels, Elijah Pepper, Jack White, Jaylin Galloway, Jordan Hunter, Josh Bann, Keanu Pinder, Nick Kay, owen Foxwell (injured – replaced by Ayre), William Hickey, Will Magnay (injured – replaced by Pinder).
* New Zealand: Carlin Davison,Finn Delany,Flynn Cameron,Izayah Leafa,Max Darling,Mojave King,Sam Mennenga,Sheares (injured – replaced by Murray),Taine Murray,Taylor Britt,Tohi Smith-Milner,Tyrell Harrison,Yanni Wetzell.
Coaching Update
With Adam Caporn unavailable, Melbourne united coach Dean Vickerman will lead the Australian Boomers during these qualifiers.
Ticket Facts
Tickets for the Hobart game are available through Ticketek: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=TASBOOM25. tickets for the Wellington match can be purchased via Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/24006330B67D3274?fbclid=IwY2xjawNBVuVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvNjg2RzhYOGRITjhCQndOAR6KfwkNMSeJoUPVaxTyZ0veklv2T7gjl77AT-7VQpXT6a9Z1MFHv1_ZaICz_g_aem_4OwiVdmkA2gHNcBFMFRUxA.
