The Ford Rollers have confirmed a 16-player roster for Rollers vs World series at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
In a rare opportunity to compete against world-class competition on home soil, the Rollers will host Spain, Italy and Japan, with the tournament arriving at a pivotal time for a group that Head Coach Brad Ness believes is continuing to raise the bar, both individually and collectively.
“What I’ve liked most about this group is their commitment to not just becoming world-class, but striving to become the world’s best,” Ness said.
“They understand that reaching the podium isn’t about individuals. It’s about pushing each other every day and growing together as a collective group.”
That mindset has helped build what Ness describes as the deepest Rollers squad the program has seen in a long time, with competition for places intensifying as the road to Ottawa enters its final stages.
Ness confirmed the series would carry added significance for those vying for a place in the final World Championship team.
“We’ve been very clear with the group that this year there is no traditional selection camp – it’s a selection year,” he said.
“The coaches have been monitoring players all around the world over the past six to eight months and every athlete has had opportunities to press their case for selection.
Beyond selection, the tournament will also play a valuable role in player development and the program’s long-term planning.
“This tournament is hugely important for the group,” Ness said.
“For many of the younger players and those on the fringe of the team, it provides an opportunity to gain international experience and continue pressing their case for selection.
“It also gives the coaching staff the chance to trial different combinations and see what this group is capable of as we build towards LA28 and beyond.”
Jordan Bartley
Eithen Leard
Lachlin Dalton
Ben Moncrieff
Kane Downie
Frank Pinder
Steven Elliott
Tom O’Neill-Thorne
Phil Evans
Frank Pinder
Jake Kavanagh
Luke Pople
Tomas Klein
Jeremy Tyndall
Tristan Knowles
Sam White
Rollers vs World starts for Australia’s men against Japan on Friday, 5 June at 8:00am, AEST. Attendance is free and non-ticketed.
Every game will be streamed LIVE via Basketball Australia YouTube, delivered in partnership with the Wheelchair Basketball Australia (WBA).