Thon and Delly reunited: Who else is joining them in Melbourne?

We preview the players set to make their Boomers debut in Melbourne.

Credit: FIBA

The Australian Boomers return to action in Melbourne later this month as they host several of the best credentialed FIBA Asian teams. It will also be their first games on home soil since earning bronze in Tokyo.

No introduction is needed for former Milwaukee Bucks team mates Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker who will be reunited together in Melbourne. They will headline a distinctly different looking Australian Boomers lineup.

Currently ranked third in the latest FIBA World Rankings, the Boomers will feature in a six game series involving China (world ranking of 29), Japan (36) and Chinese Taipei (69) that will include two double-headers from June 30 to July 4 at John Cain Arena. Dellavedova and Maker will be joined by familiar, experienced faces in Mitch McCarron and Todd Blanchfield who were both part of the gold medal winning 2017 FIBA Asia Cup campaign. In addition, off the back of strong seasons with the Illawarra Hawks and Tasmania JackJumpers, Sam Froling and Jack McVeigh will also make a reappearance for the senior national team.

An injection of new faces that should be familiar to NBL fans are set to pull on the green and gold of the Boomers for the first time. Veteran sharpshooter Clint Steindl finally breaks through for his debut at senior level following a standout season with the JackJumpers. His experience coupled with his ability to stretch opposition defences with his perimeter shooting is going to be a valuable asset given the absence of Australia’s American and European based stars. He will relish the opportunity to once again play alongside former Saint Mary’s team mate Dellavedova, this time for his country on the world stage. It is likely that together with McCarron and Blanchfield, this quartet will be charged with being mentors and providing leadership to what shapes as a largely inexperienced side that includes a host of youthful first time Boomers.

Let’s take a look at the rest of the Boomers set to make their debut in Melbourne.