The Australian Crocs have been forced to make a late change with Queenslander, Isaiah Jorgensen unable to compete at the upcoming FIBA U17 World Cup due to injury.
Alex Edwards from West Australia has been selected to replace Jorgensen and will travel with this team this week as preparations commence for Turkiye.
Head Coach, Greg Vanderjagt acknowledged the disappointment for Isaiah but reiterated that the young Queenslander has a lot of basketball ahead of him.
“As a group we are devastated for Isaiah and the unfortunate timing of his injury. While he won’t be able to join the group in Turkey, he is firmly a part of our success at the upcoming World Cup. Isaiah is the proud owner of an Oceania and Asia Cup gold medal, being an integral part of both teams,” said Vanderjagt.
“He has had an incredible impact on this program throughout the last two years and I have no doubt that he is just starting to scratch the surface of who he will be as a basketball player,” he added.
“This program is just the start of Isaiah’s green and gold journey, he’s got a lot to aim for over the next 12-18 months. We will ensure he remains connected to us while abroad and contributing in anyway he can.”
Such is the depth of Australian basketball at the moment that a talented option in Alex Edwards was available. Edwards, 6’4 performed well as a versatile big alongside Luke Paul for WA Metro at the recent Foot Locker U18 National Championships and will enable Vanderjagt and the Crocs to maintain their shape.
“Alex has been a part of the program since our China tour last year and every time he pulls on the green and gold makes an immediate impact,” said Vanderjagt.
“His vital contributions in Asia helped us secure gold and we have no doubt he will have a significant impact again this campaign. He’s a high energy and versatile athlete who will impact the game in a variety of ways for us. Most importantly he’s a selfless, team first guy who is willing to sacrifice for our success”
The FIBA U17 World Cup tips off from 27 June against Serbia for the Crocs. The highest finish for the Crocs has been silver, struck in consecutive tournaments in 2012, 2014.
This window of success for the Crocs featured the likes of Dante Exum, Ben Simmons, Nicholas Duncan and Mirko Djeric.
This new wave of young Aussies will be looking to make their stamp on the world competition later this month.
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