The Australian Boomers are back in Perth for the first time since 2019, marking a long-awaited return to RAC Arena as FIBA World Cup qualifying action tips off.
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Friday night’s clash with Guam sets the stage for Bryce Cotton’s long-anticipated Boomers debut, with the NBL star named in a 12-man squad for the two-game window beginning tonight.
Cotton was unveiled as an Australian Boomer last month after a lengthy citizenship process and will now wear the green and gold in front of a crowd that watched him light up the same arena for years with the Perth Wildcats.
May 14, 2026: Boomers associate head coach Dean Vickerman presents Adelaide 36er basketball star Bryce Cotton with his gurnsey after being named in the Australian Boomers squad. Picture: Brenton EdwardsSource: News Corp Australia
The moment carries added weight at RAC Arena, where he built his legacy, winning multiple championships and becoming one of the most decorated players in NBL history.
The last time the Boomers played in Perth was in a 2019 warm-up series against Canada, featuring Joe Ingles, Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Chris Goulding and Patty Mills.
Canada took the opening game 90-70, before Australia hit back with an 81-73 win in the second clash in front of the home fans.
Boomers players celebrate after winning the second Australia v Canada basketball match at RAC Arena in Perth, Saturday, August 17, 2019. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLYSource: AAP
While Australia has already secured progression to the next phase of qualifying, these games still carry significance. Results are carried forward into the second round, influencing seeding for Group E, which combines Groups A and B and ranks teams based on first-round records. Every result matters, even after qualification is confirmed.
The second round runs from August 2026 to November 2026, then resumes in March 2027, with each team playing home-and-away fixtures across multiple windows as the road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar continues to build.
Head coach Adam Caporn will lead the Boomers in Perth, aiming to make a strong start on home soil. He is joined by associate head coach Dean Vickerman, alongside Kerry Williams, John Rillie and Keegan Crawford.
The Boomers games will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports via ESPN
BOOMERS ASIA QUALIFIER SQUAD
Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland Cavaliers/Charge)
Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Illawarra Hawks)
Keanu Pinder (Cairns Taipans)
Jack McVeigh (Cairns Taipans)
David Okwera (East Perth) -Replaces Ben Henshall
Reyne Smith (Cairns Taipans) – Replaces Elijah Pepper
Angus Glover (S.E Melbourne Phoenix)
Mitch Creek (Vancouver Bandits)
Alex Condon (Florida Gators)
Bryce Cotton (Adelaide 36ers)
Josh Bannan (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Taran Armstrong (Tasmania JackJumpers)
MATCH SCHEDULE:
Game 1 vs. Guam: Friday 3 July, 8:30pm AEST, RAC Arena, Perth
Game 2 vs. Philippines: Monday 6 July, 8:30pm AEST, RAC Arena, Perth
Group A standings
Australia (4–0) – 8 pts
Philippines (2–2) – 6 pts
New Zealand (2–2) – 6 pts
Guam (0–4) – 4 pts