Australia has swept the Asia Cup window with six titles claimed in seven months of tournament play.
It's a massive achievement in the modern era of Australian basketball and the first time the feat has occurred since the re-zoning by FIBA alongside New Zealand into the Asia bracket in 2017.
The green & gold wave started in March with the Gangurrus 3x3 men’s and women team reigning supreme in Singapore. The Seven Consulting Opals followed with their first ever Asia Cup in July and the world watched on as the Boomers clinched an insta-classic in the final against China in August.
It was up to the junior U16 Crocs and U17 Sapphires to complete the streak; and both did so in compelling fashion to complete a historic window for Australian basketball.
In reflection of a strong window of international performance, Jason Smith, EGM of High Performance at Basketball Australia noted an interconnected talent and performance pathway as a source of advantage.
“To come away from the Asia Cup tournaments with six gold medals across both our junior and senior men’s and women’s programs is an incredible achievement, and one that reflects the depth, talent, and commitment we have across Australian basketball,” said Smith.
“Success at this level and scale doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of the hard work of our athletes, coaches, and staff, and the strong foundations of our pathway,”
“This sweep is something we can all be proud of as it highlights the strength of the respective States and Territories, their High Performance programs, and the exciting future that lies ahead for Australian basketball,” he added.
The FIBA continental windows play an important role in the international cycle and each zone has unique characteristics, geography and traditions.
Matt Scriven, Chief Executive Officer, Basketball Australia is a strong advocate for the role Australia does, and will continue to play, as a National Federation member in FIBA Asia.
“It’s important to acknowledge that the success of the Australian National teams is built on decades of work, from the grassroots to the elite pathways. This starts with the unprecedented level of participation at junior level, our State & Territory representative bodies, and to the elite pathways of the BA Centre of Excellence and professional leagues,” said Scriven
“The FIBA Asia conference is an essential and functional pathway in our journey to compete at the respective FIBA World Cups. The competition within FIBA Asia continues to go from strength to strength, which enables our National Teams to gain the necessary experience at the international level.” he added.
With the continental window in rear view mirror, the focus shifts to the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualification pathway, which kicks off with the Boomers in November.
More information on schedule of games to be announced soon.
