Emus U19 squad is stacked with emerging star power

• Basketball Australia selects 25 players for U19 Emus preliminary squad ahead of FIBA World Cup
• Four-day training camp at AIS Canberra held March 17 under head coach Robbie McKinlay
• Squad features emerging Australian talent including interstate prospects and NCAA players

Australian Emus head coach has a "deep and versatile" 25-man squad preparing for the Under-19 Men's FIBA World Cup in Switzerland in June, 2025.

"This is the start of the journey towards the World Cup so it's an exciting time for these young players. We are looking forward to having such a deep and versatile group in camp," McKinlay said.

The 25-player squad represents a broad cross-section of Australian basketball talent, with athletes hailing from six different states and territories.

Victoria leads the way with nine representatives, followed by New South Wales with five and Queensland with four.

The squad features several promising players to watch, including Queensland's NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky, who has been listed for injury management. Standing at 216cm, Zikarsky has already generated significant attention from scouts and is considered one of Australia's most exciting young prospects.

Tasmania has two representatives in Jacob Furphy, who was a standout at the Under-20 Australian National Championships, and Nash Walker, continuing the Apple Isle's impressive development of basketball talent. The Tasmanian presence reflects the state's growing influence in Australian basketball, particularly following the success of the Tasmania JackJumpers in the NBL.

The squad also includes Mason Honeyman and Jack Whitbourn, who are developing their games in the NCAA, bringing valuable international experience to the group.

The diversity of the squad extends to its positional makeup, with a balanced selection of guards, forwards and centres giving the coaching staff flexibility in their approach to the tournament.

Many Boomers stars, including NBA players Josh Giddey and potential 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dyson Daniels, came through the U19 program, highlighting its importance in the Australian basketball development system.

The FIBA U19 Men's Basketball World Cup has historically been a showcase for emerging talent, with many participants going on to stellar professional careers. Australia has performed strongly in previous editions, including a bronze medal at the 2021 tournament in Latvia.

A four-day camp in March focused on team cohesion, tactical understanding, and physical preparation, helping the coaching staff identify the final squad that will represent Australia in Switzerland.

For many of these players, the U19 World Cup represents their first opportunity to represent Australia on the global stage, providing invaluable experience for their development and exposure to Australian and overseas clubs.

McKinlay will be supported by a stellar coaching staff, with Joel Khalu and Jacob Jackomas appointed as assistant coaches. This experienced trio will be tasked with developing Australia's next generation of basketball stars and preparing them for international competition.

The full 25-player squad includes Emmett Adair (NSW), Jesse Mcintosh (VIC), Roor Akhuar (VIC), Ajak Nyuon (ACT), Che Brogan (VIC), Flynn Pavely (NSW), Ryder Cheesman (VIC), Ned Renfree (VIC), 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), Ben Waller (VIC), Mason Honeyman (QLD/NCAA), Jack Whitbourn (VIC/NCAA), Mading Kuany (VIC), Rocco Zikarsky** (QLD), and Goc Malek (NSW).

**Note: Roman Siulepa and Rocco Zikarsky are listed for injury management.

The FIBA U19 Men's Basketball World Cup will take place in Switzerland in June, with Australia aiming to build on its strong tradition in the tournament and develop the next generation of Boomers.