McCarron named for Boomers' gold medal quest

Adelaide 36ers captain Mitch McCarron will represent Australia at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup starting next week.

McCarron was named in the 12-man Boomers roster on Friday and is thrilled to have the chance to represent the green and gold singlet.

"Anytime you get to put on the Aussie singlet is special," McCarron said.

McCarron said the Boomers are ready for their 2022 FIBA Asia Cup campaign, which starts on July 12 against Jordan in Jakarta.

"It was great preparation for what's ahead (Asia Cup) and I'm keen to just play my role for the team," he said.

McCarron, Sunday Dech and Hyrum Harris shone for their countries during the recent FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.

The Boomers swept through their three games in Group B qualification at John Cain Arena.

McCarron averaged 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per match as the Boomers went a perfect 3-0 with two victories against China and one against Japan.

The 189cm guard celebrated his 30^th birthday in style with a standout performance in Australia’s 76-69 win over China with 13 points at 100 per cent and six steals.

"It was nice to knock a few shots down, they left me open," McCarron said.

"I think their scout was to leave me open, and that changed in the second game."

After the three victories, which also included aa 98-52 win against Japan and another victory over China (71-48), the Boomers now advance to the next round of qualification, where they will play the top three teams from Group D.

Dech led South Sudan to a three-game winning streak in their FIBA World Cup African qualification first round matches in Rwanda.

The 196cm guard averaged 8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game over the past three games where South Sudan conquered Cameroon 67-56, Tunisia 75-61 and Rwanda 73-63.

South Sudan now sit on top of their group standings with a perfect 6-0 record.

Harris grabbed five rebounds in New Zealand’s 106-60 win over the Philippines, who have now also qualified for the second round with a 4-0 record.

New Zealand begin their 2022 FIBA Asia Cup campaign against India on July 13.