Eltham Wildcats, Bulleen Boomers represent Asia Pacific in first Jr NBA World Championship

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced team rosters competing at the Jr. NBA World Championship, a first-of-its kind global youth basketball tournament for the top 13- and 14-year-old boys and girls teams from around the world.

The competition will take place Aug. 7-12 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, in the US.

A host of familiar names from the NBA and WNBA will be joining the participants, including Dwyane Wade, Andre Drummond, Vince Carter, Brook Lopez, Grant Hill and Tamika Catchings, Swin Cash, Jennifer Azzi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLZIBP_B-NM&feature=youtu.be

The event brings together 32 boys and girls teams (16 US and 16 international) that advanced from regional competitions earlier this year.

The Eltham Wildcats and Bulleen Boomers, who won the Australian U14 Championships, were selected to represent the Asia Pacific region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

2017/18 Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons, who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, represented the Bulleen Boomers in the 2008 Australian Under-14 Championships.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FabUTd3eMHA

“After several months of highly competitive regional competitions around the world, we are excited to bring together a field of 32 teams that not only excel on the court, but also represent the Jr. NBA’s core values of teamwork, respect, determination and community,” said Kathy Behrens, NBA President, Social Responsibility and Player Programs. “We are looking forward to an exciting week of on- and off-court activities that will provide these young players with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The Jr. NBA World Championship will feature boys and girls divisions, separated into U.S. and international brackets that begin with round-robin play and continue with single-eliminations competition. The winners of the U.S. and international brackets will play in the World Championship games on 12 Aug.

During the week-long event, all 32 teams will participate in activities designed to reinforce the Jr. NBA’s core values and provide the players with development opportunities and memorable experiences off the court. Drummond and Azzi will welcome the teams in an opening ceremony on Aug. 5, followed by a celebratory parade at Magic Kingdom Park.

From Aug. 6-8, each player will participate in three life skills sessions as part of the event’s Developing the Total Athlete Series led by NBA and Kaiser Permanente health experts and supported by NBA and WNBA talent, covering the total health spectrum of mind, body and spirit in a culturally inclusive environment.

Asia Pacific boys roster

• Zahn Agosta G

• Kristian Ferronato G

• Brody Glenn G

• Riley Lewis F

• Brad Moorey F/C

• Thomas Neale F

• Harrison Stones G

• Anton Stratov G

• Henry Way F/C

• Joshua Weddle G

Head Coach: Craig Stratford Assistant Coach: Carly Stones

Asia Pacific girls roster

• Tabitha Betson F/C

• Aleisha Cadee F

• Sarah Calvisi G/F

• Kiralee Collings G

• Holly Griffiths F/C

• Tess Heal G

• Jordyn Kourmadias G

• Amisym Leigh G/F

• Emily Maltezos G

• Ally Marshall G

• Ella McIntyre F/C

• Maggie Sullivan G/F

Head Coach: Travis Heal Assistant Coach: Julie Ore