Alex Ducas in the frame as Boomers seek to defend Asia Cup title

Geraldton basketball product Alex Ducas suited up for the Boomers this week as Australia gets their FIBA Asia Cup tournament underway. Australia are the defending champions having won their first gold medal at the first time of asking in 2017 when they defeated Iran in the final. Mitch McCarron will be the only Boomer left from that campaign as a relatively young squad made the journey to Jakarta for the tournament. With the squad not featuring NBA stars Patty Mills, Joe Ingles or Matthew Dellavedova it could provide plenty of opportunity for young up-and-comers in the line-up. Keep an eye out for highly touted NBA draft prospect Tyrese Proctor who has recently committed to NCCA powerhouses Duke as well as Ducas, who made his debut just over a week ago against China in Melbourne grabbing a rebound in his short time on court. Current Geraldton Buccaneers coach Dale Joseph caught up with Ducas before he left with the national team. “It’s really exciting for Alex, he’s got a good opportunity to play a bit of a different style to St Mary’s, with a bigger focus on defence, and I think it could suit his game better.” Australia faced Jordan first-up on Tuesday night with games against Saudi Arabia and Indonesia on Thursday and Saturday respectively. All games will be streamed via ESPN or Kayo.