Bryce Cotton’s long-awaited Boomers debut is finally set to become reality, with the Perth Wildcats legend named in Australia’s squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Perth this July.
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After years of establishing himself as one of the greatest players in NBL history and completing the process to become an Australian citizen, Cotton will pull on the green and gold for the first time in front of what is expected to be a packed RAC Arena.
The moment carries extra significance given it will take place in the same venue where Cotton built his legacy, winning multiple championships and becoming one of the most decorated players the league has ever seen.
Among the most exciting inclusions is rising star Alex Condon, who is in line to make his Boomers debut at just 21 years of age.
The 6-foot-11 Perth product played a key role in Florida’s 2025 NCAA Championship-winning campaign and has continued to establish himself as one of Australia’s brightest young prospects. He is expected to provide an immediate boost to the Boomers’ frontcourt depth.
Upcoming games
Game 1 vs. Guam: Friday 3 July, 8:30pm AEDT, RAC Arena, Perth
Game 2 vs. Philippines: Monday 6 July, 8:30pm AEDT, RAC Arena, Perth
Debutants Cotton and Condon headlines a strong Boomers squad announced by Basketball Australia today, with several Western Australian stars also earning selection for the home fixture.
Local favourites Ben Henshall and Keanu Pinder have all been named, while former Perth Wildcats guard Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and current Wildcat Elijah Pepper will also represent Australia.
Boomers head coach Adam Caporn, who also serves as an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards, said there was genuine excitement surrounding the group ahead of the Perth qualifiers.
“Competing as a Boomer on Australian soil is always special and there’s a real excitement around this group and the opportunity to play in Perth in front of such a passionate basketball community,” said Caporn.
“As we continue building towards Qatar 2027, we’ve brought together a strong mix of experience, emerging talent and athletes earning their first opportunity with the Boomers, which makes this window particularly exciting.
“The FIBA qualifiers are critically important for our program and we’re approaching this camp and these games with great intent. We’re looking to continue developing our systems, strengthen the connections within the group and represent Australia with pride and competitiveness.”
For Western Australian basketball fans, the qualifiers will offer a rare opportunity to see a host of local products wearing the national colours on home soil, led by Cotton’s highly anticipated debut.
“Every camp and game gives us an opportunity to build greater cohesion, establish habits and continue strengthening the identity we want the Boomers to represent,” added Boomers coach Adam Caporn.
“We know Perth fans will bring incredible energy at RAC Arena and our group is excited for the chance to compete in front of them and represent Australia the right way.”
BOOMERS ASIA QUALIFIER SQUAD
Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland Cavaliers/Charge)
Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Illawarra Hawks)
Keanu Pinder (Cairns Taipans)
Elijah Pepper (Perth Wildcats)
Jack McVeigh (Cairns Taipans)
Ben Henshall (Perth Wildcats)
Angus Glover (S.E Melbourne Phoenix)
Mitch Creek (U-BT Cluj-Napoca)
Alex Condon (Florida Gators)*
Bryce Cotton (Adelaide 36ers)*
Josh Bannan (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Taran Armstrong (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Group A standings
Australia (4–0) – 8 pts
Philippines (2–2) – 6 pts
New Zealand (2–2) – 6 pts
Guam (0–4) – 4 pts