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Sport
Fraser Barton

Vasiljevic named for Boomers WC qualifying

NBL winner Dejan Vasiljevic will debut for the Boomers in the next round of World Cup qualifying. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The Sydney Kings' Dejan Vasiljevic has been named for a senior debut in the Australian squad that will enter the fourth window of qualifiers later this month for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 12-man squad boasts a plethora of NBL and new NBA talent with FIBA Asia Cup gold medallists Mitch McCarron and Sam Froling participating in their third Boomers campaigns in three months.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Nick Kay will represent for the first time since captaining the side in February's World Cup qualifiers.

Perth Wildcats duo Todd Blanchfield and Mitch Norton are also part of the roster which will see Norton return for his first international appearance since 2019.

Newly drafted Cleveland Cavalier and former Wildcat Luke Travers will also join the side for their matches against Bahrain and Iran.

But the 25-year-old Vasiljevic, who recently returned from playing with the Phoenix Suns in NBA Summer League after winning an NBL title with the Kings, says it's a dream come true to play for hiss country.

"Representing Australia at this level has been a long time coming and I couldn't be more excited," he said.

"I could have been involved in the Boomers' previous Asian qualifying games but decided to go down the NBA Summer League route.

"But I'm stoked to finally get the chance to pull on that jersey, which has been a goal of mine for a very long time - especially with this strong squad we've got assembled."

Mike Kelly will coach the side after taking them to the FIBA Cup gold medal and will be assisted by Robbie McKinlay and Jamie Pearlman.

BOOMERS SQUAD:

Todd Blanchfield, Angus Brandt, Sam Froling, Rory Hawke, Nick Kay, Mitch McCarron, Alex Mudronja, Mitch Norton, Alex Toohey, Luke Travers, Rhys Vague, Dejan Vasiljevic.

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