Adair to dream: Emmett, Rocco headline Emus squad

• Rocco Zikarsky leads Emus squad for World Cup
• Roman Siulepa, Dash Daniels among emerging Emus talents
• Andrew Bogut led Australia to victory in 2003

Projected 2025 NBA Draft pick and NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky is part of the 20-player Australian Under-19 Men's Emus squad fighting for selection to go to the 2025 FIBA World Cup between June 28 and July 6, 2025.

The tournament in Lausanne, Switzerland starts just two days after the NBA Draft on June 26, 2025.

Babcock Hoops' scouting reporting on Zikarsky reads: "Rocco Zikarsky possesses the physical tools and foundational skills of a modern NBA centre. His rim protection, finishing ability, and mobility make him a strong prospect, but his long-term value will depend on his ability to stretch the floor offensively and defend quicker players in space. If he can improve his shooting and defensive versatility, he has the potential to be a highly impactful NBA big."

Zikarsky along with Emmett Adair, under-18s standout Roman Siulepa, Jacob Furphy, Luke Fennell and 17-year-old Dash Daniels, brother of NBA Defensive Player of the Year finalist Dyson, head into a selection trials and training camp in May.

Adair and Furphy have both earned a Boomers call-up during the Asia Cup Qualifers.

The Emus have a rich history of success at the World Cup. They have qualified for 15 of 17 tournaments since the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup started in 1979.

Australia is the only non-European / North American nation to win the tournament, led by former NBA No1 Draft Pick, FIBA Hall of Famer and basketball.com.au columnist Andrew Bogut.

Bogut led the Emus to the World Cup in in 2003, in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Australian U19 Emus Squad

• Emmett Adair – NSW
• Mading Kuany – VIC
• Roor Akhuar – VIC
• Goc Malek – NSW
• Che Brogan – VIC
• Ajak Nyuon – ACT
• Indy Cotton – QLD
• Cooper Rowlings – QLD
• Dash Daniels – VIC
• Henry Sewell – VIC
• Alex Dickeson – SA
• Roman Siulepa – QLD
• James Dyson Merwe – NSW
• Marcus Vaughns – VIC
• Luke Fennell – VIC
• Nash Walker – TAS
• Jacob Furphy – TAS
• Jack Whitbourn – VIC
• Mason Honeyman – QLD
• Rocco Zikarsky – QLD

Emus Coaching Staff:

• Head Coach: Robbie McKinlay
• Assistant Coach: Joel Khalu
• Assistant Coach: Jacob Jackomas