Boomers, NBL Influence in All-Star Five

Monday, July 25, 2022

Australian Boomers and NBL stars have headlined the FIBA Asia Cup All-Star Five.

The Boomers defeated Lebanon on Sunday evening, Australian time, to be crowned champions in Indonesia, with Mitch McCarron and Thon Maker leading from the front.

A key member of the Adelaide 36ers’ roster, McCarron averaged eight points, four rebounds and six assists throughout the tournament.

Maker knocked down almost 18 points a game, to go with nine rebounds.

25-year-old Maker is sure to attract interest from NBL clubs, after stints in the NBA, across three different teams, Israel, and most recently in the G-League.

Attention NBL clubs with roster spots available in #NBL23 Just saying. via @FIBAAsiaCup pic.twitter.com/hBWaQmFbyo
— The NBL (@NBL) July 24, 2022

Tohi Smith-Milner, who lined up for South East Melbourne Phoenix in 2021/2022, was the match-winner in the Bronze Medal game for New Zealand, drilling three-pointers on three consecutive possessions in the final quarter.

His Phoenix teammate in 2021/2022, Zhou Qi averaged 15 points, 13 rebounds and close to two blocks a game to round out the All-Star Five, alongside Lebanon’s Wael Arakji.