Sunday, June 5, 2011

Boomers set for two-game China tilt

Posted June 3, 2011 17:10:00

The Australian men's basketball team is gearing up for a two-game series against China, with the event to become an annual fixture between the two countries.

The 'YouYi Games' will see the Boomers (ranked ninth in the world) clash with China (10th) in Perth on June 24, before the series moves to Singapore on June 26.

An initiative of ex-Boomers star Andrew Vlahov, the YouYi Games will become a yearly competition.

The friendlies will serve as crucial preparation for Australia's FIBA Oceania Olympic qualification series with New Zealand, which is scheduled for September.

Australia needs to defeat the Tall Blacks to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games.

"We have always enjoyed a competitive, respectful relationship with China and we are anxious to continue this in our two-game series," Boomers coach Brett Brown said.

Australia will field a youthful side made up predominantly of NBL players.

China's star centre Yao Ming is recovering from a broken foot which has kept him out of most of the 2010-2011 NBA season.

However Wang Zhizhi, the first Chinese basketballer to play in the NBA, is expected to make the trip.

The games will follow the Boomers' first training camp for the year in Perth from June 19-23.

A squad of 16 has been invited to Perth, which will be cut to 12 for the matches against China.

Australia's squad: Adam Gibson, Damian Martin, Jason Cadee, Ben Madgen, Clint Steindl, Daniel Dillon, Peter Crawford, David Barlow, Daniel Kickert, Jesse Wagstaff, Luke Nevill, Stephen Weigh, Julian Khazzouh, Matt Knight, Anatoly Bose, Aron Baynes.

- AAP

Tags: sport, basketball, australia, china


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