The 2027 FIBA Asian Cup Qualifiers kick off tomorrow as the Australian Boomers face Guam in the first of two matches.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the games.

Watch live coverage of the NBL and WNBL 2025-26 finals plus the Boomers’ games with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

The first of two matches begins tomorrow night as the Boomers take on Guam for the first time in either country’s history.

Twelve players make up the roster, blending experience with fresh talent, but all share the Boomer mindset needed to stay atop Group A.

THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CUP

This marks the second of three group stages for the Boomers, who began the campaign undefeated with a 2-0 series win over New Zealand in November last year. Both teams are in Group A alongside Guam and the Philippines, with every team facing each other twice.

The current phase of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers is the First Round, with games held in November 2025, February 2026 and July 2026. Sixteen nations are competing, but as Qatar hosts the 2027 World Cup, they automatically qualify. Australia is aiming for one of the eleven remaining spots.

Once all six games are completed in July, qualifying teams will progress to the Second Round. The top three teams from each group (A, B, C, D) will advance, reducing the 16 First Round teams to 12, split into two new groups. Results from the First Round carry over.

If successful, Australia will move into Group E of the Second Round, likely facing the Philippines, New Zealand, Jordan, Iran, and either Iraq or Syria, depending on results. To secure a World Cup berth, the Boomers must finish in the top four. The Second Round is scheduled between August 2026 and March 2027.

CURRENT STANDINGS:

Group A Standings:

Australia: 2-0 | 4 pts

Philippines: 2-0 | 4 pts

New Zealand: 0-2 | 2 pts

Guam: 0-2 | 2 pts

Davis focussed on title after MVP loss | 00:58

SCHEDULE

Game 1:

Boomers vs Guam | Thursday 26th February, 8pm AEDT, University of Guam Field House

This is the first time Australia will take on Guam, who are ranked 79th in the world, while Australia currently sits 6th.

Game 2:

Boomers v Philippines | Sun 1 March | 10:30pm AEDT | Mall of Asia Arena

This will be the eight matchup against the Philippines since 1964, and the second time these two sides face off since the infamous ‘Basketbrawl’ of 2018. Philippines are currently ranked 36th in the world.

‘This has got wild in the Philippines!’ | 02:06

WHERE TO WATCH:

The FIBA World Cup Qualifiers will be available on ESPN and Kayo, starting at 8pm (AEDT)

MEET THE TEAM

1. Mitch Creek | Age: 33 | Position: Forward

For the first time since the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Mitch Creek will pull on the green and gold, set to represent Australia in upcoming games against Guam and the Philippines. With 22 appearances across the World Cup, Asia Cup and qualifying windows, he shapes as the veteran presence in the squad, tasked with helping guide the Boomers to two wins this week. Creek is currently playing in Romania with U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

FIBA Career Average: 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Mitch Creek – FIBA Asia World Cup QualifiersSource: getty

2. Jack White | Age: 28 | Position: Forward

A familiar face in the Boomers squad, Jack White returns for the Asian Qualifiers and is one of just two players backing up from last year’s games against New Zealand. White has 16 appearances for Australia and shapes as one of the leaders for the upcoming fixtures in Guam. He is currently playing in Turkey with Mersin MSK.

FIBA Career Average: 5.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

3. Sam Froling | Age: 26 | Position: Centre

Since making his debut in 2021, Sam Froling has become a regular in Asia qualifiers, collecting 16 appearances across campaigns in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025 through the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup windows. He is expected to play a key role in what is otherwise a guard-heavy roster, and strong performances would come as no surprise. Froling has just wrapped up his season with the Illawarra Hawks.

FIBA Career Average: 8.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

4. Nick Kay | Age: 33 | Position: Forward/Centre

The most experienced player on the roster, Nick Kay has 55 appearances for the Boomers across the Olympics, World Cup and Asia Cup. He remains the glue of the group, bringing leadership and stability on and off the floor, and will be central to their chances in the upcoming games. Kay is currently playing in Japan’s B.League with Shimane Susanoo Magic.

FIBA Career Average: 9.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

GIPPSLAND, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 20: Nick Kay of Australia shoots from the arc during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier match between Australia Boomers and Indonesia at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium on February 20, 2025 in Gippsland, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

5. Elijah Pepper | Age: 24 | Position: Guard

One of the newer faces around the Boomers setup, Elijah Pepper returns to the squad after making his debut a few years ago, with four international appearances so far and the chance to add to that tally this week. The Perth Wildcats guard is known for his streak scoring and has the ability to pile on points in a hurry. Once the FIBA window wraps up, his focus will shift back to the NBL finals.

FIBA Career Average: 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

GIPPSLAND, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 20: Elijah Pepper of Australia shoots from the arc during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier match between Australia Boomers and Indonesia at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium on February 20, 2025 in Gippsland, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

6. Reyne Smith | Age: 23 | Position: Guard

Another young guard in this FIBA window squad, Reyne Smith continues his progression with the Boomers, arriving with six appearances to his name. The Cairns Taipans sharpshooter gives the team a genuine threat from beyond the arc, an area where he has built his reputation. His exact role is still to be seen, but it would not be a surprise if he finishes among the leading scorers for the group.

FIBA Career Average: 11.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

7. Jacob Holt | Age: 22 | Position: Forward/Centre

A Boomers debutant, Jacob Holt earns his call-up after a standout first season with the Brisbane Bullets, where his production quickly turned heads. Holt, who grew up in Canada, gained Australian citizenship in July 2025 through his mother, who was born in Sydney. He will wear the green and gold for the first time, with plenty of excitement around what the young Boomer can bring.

FIBA Career Average: Not Available.

Snubbed superstar, legend call for MVP change after ‘absurd’ votes revealed — Talking Points

8. Tanner Krebs | Age: 30 | Position: Forward

At 30, Tanner Krebs will make his senior Boomers debut for the first time. He has a strong youth FIBA background, featuring in multiple Under-18 Oceania Championships and helping Australia secure bronze at the 2019 Summer Universiade. Despite being the oldest rookie, Krebs, who enjoyed a breakout season with Melbourne United, will bring plenty of leadership to this young squad.

FIBA Career Average: Not available.

9. Isaac White | Age: 27 | Position: Guard

This marks the second time in the past 12 months that Isaac White has been selected for an Asia Cup qualifier. He has plenty of FIBA experience, including a bronze medal at the Summer Universiade in Italy and an appearance at the 2016 FIBA U18 Oceania Championship. The Adelaide 36ers guard will look to add to his two Boomers caps this week before he sets his sights on the NBL finals.

FIBA Career Average: 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Isaac White – FIBA Asia World Cup QualifiersSource: getty

10. Kody Stattmann | Age: 25 | Position: Guard

Despite being just 25, Kody Stattmann is already well accustomed to the international pathway in the youth scene, having featured in multiple FIBA Under-17 tournaments between 2016 and 2019. This selection marks his first opportunity at senior level, off the back of a strong NBL campaign with the Cairns Taipans. If he earns consistent minutes, he has the tools to produce some impressive numbers.

FIBA Career Average: Not available.

11. Tom Wilson | Age: 28 | Position: Guard

Tom Wilson has enjoyed a strong 12 months since deciding to return to basketball, stepping away from the AFL pathway. After claiming MVP honours in the NBL1 South season, he joined Melbourne United, adding energy off the bench throughout the campaign. His FIBA youth record is notable, with 20 appearances dating back to 2013, though his last senior outing came during the 2019 World Cup Asian Qualifiers. At 28, it will be intriguing to see what he can achieve on the international stage.

FIBA Career Average: 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

12. David Okwera | Age: 23 | Position: Forward/Centre

Sources close to Fox Sports Australia report that David Okwera did not travel with the Boomers to Guam after picking up an injury in Friday’s NBL win over the Adelaide 36ers. It is currently unclear whether he will be replaced.

FIBA Career Average: 5.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

Australia’s David Okwera. 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers – New Zealand Tall Blacks v Australian Boomers at Cairns Pop-Up Arena. Photo: Cameron Laird/FIBASource: Supplied