MELBOURNE (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Australia will look to show off the strength of their domestic league this summer after naming numerous NBL players in their 20-strong FIBA Asia Cup 2017 squad.

Coach Andrej Lemanis has 18 NBL players in the group. There are four Olympians, including Rio de Janeiro Games Boomers David Andersen, Chris Goulding (both Melbourne United) and Kevin Lisch and also Brad Newley (both Sydney Kings), a vital contributor in Australia's teams at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Coach Andrej Lemanis has also included former NBL star Ben Madgen of Lithuanian side Lietkabelis Panevezys and Clint Steindl of Leuven Bears in Belgium.

Another prominent name on the 20-man list is Daniel Kickert, a member of the Australia team at the 2006 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Kickert, 34, played for the Lemanis-coached Brisbane Bullets this season.

"There is a good mix of experienced Boomers campaigners and players getting their Boomers opportunity for the first time," Lemanis said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and watching this group develop.

"As we identified, the new FIBA format provides the opportunity for different guys to step in and show what they can do on the international stage and I'm looking forward to seeing it play out – the enthusiasm that new people bring to the group is always exciting to be around."

While we will take 12 guys to the FIBA Asia Cup, this is still a broader squad process in terms of the World Cup Qualifiers and there are still other guys that are not a part of this squad that can play a part in the qualifiers as well.Lemanis

In addition to Australia, New Zealand will take part in the FIBA Asia Cup for the first time. Both countries will also play in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asia Qualifiers starting in November.

Lemanis has a good idea of what all of the players can bring to the squad as he has coached them in the national team or with the Emerging Boomers, or seen them play in the NBL.

"I have had a touch-point with almost every member of the squad through the World University Games, Emerging Boomers or the NBL All-Star environment," the coach said.

"That is proof that the system is working well and we're able to continually work with a broader group and connect them to the Boomers culture."

Andersen was a vital contributor for Australia at the Rio Olympics

This is a very exciting year for the Boomers, who want to build on the momentum of last year in Brazil where the team was very impressive.

Lemanis is going into the FIBA Asia Cup, which is to be played in Lebanon August 8-20, with one eye on the World Cup Asia Qualifiers.

At the FIBA Asia Cup, Australia will play in Group D against Japan, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.

Their opponents in the First Round of the World Cup Asia Qualifiers, which begin in late November, will again be Japan and Chinese Taipei, as well as the Philippines.

While there are no current NBA players involved in the FIBA Asia Cup, the Australia contingent in the North American-based league could feature in the June and September windows next year for the World Cup Asia Qualifiers.

Lemanis likes Australia's squad for FIBA Asia Cup 2017

"The new qualification system means that the team must be fluid and those that do not make the FIBA Asia Cup will still be part of the broader squad moving forward," Lemanis said.

"While we will take 12 guys to the FIBA Asia Cup, this is still a broader squad process in terms of the World Cup Qualifiers and there are still other guys that are not a part of this squad that can play a part in the qualifiers as well.

"We really are relying on the system and the heart of all involved to ensure we have the best opportunity for success in each qualifying window.

"All the guys have been great in their understanding as well as their desire to represent Australia and play their part in the Boomers success."

FIBA