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Australian Boomers add Chris Goulding, Damian Martin to squad for FIBA World Cup qualifiers

Australian Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis has added Rio Olympians Chris Goulding and Damian Martin to his FIBA Asia Cup-winning roster for the team's November matches.

The Boomers will play their first meaningful game in Australia since the Rio Olympic qualifiers at Rod Laver Arena in 2015 when they play Japan at Adelaide Arena on November 27.

The team first will fly to Chinese Taipei for their first game of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers on November 24 before jetting back home to play in Adelaide.

"It's our first game of real consequence on home soil since the 2015 Olympic qualifiers," Lemanis said.

"It's a great opportunity for the Adelaide fans to come out and see the national team. Adelaide fans are always vocal and passionate and know their basketball, so it's going to be fun, for sure."

FIBA launched its new, worldwide qualifying competition earlier this year. The system is similar to the one used in FIFA World Cup soccer qualification with home-and-away group games over two years.

The Boomers will play every three months facing Asian opponents and needing to do so without their NBA stars such as Ben Simmons, Patty Mills and co, whom the US league is not required to release when in season.

Lemanis stressed that he would continue to need NBL players to come into the side during the Asian qualifiers.

Author: Roy Ward, Sydney Morning Herald
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/australian-boomers-add-chris-goulding-damian-martin-to-squad-for-fiba-world-cup-qualifiers-20171024-gz72gp

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