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Geraldton’s Alex Ducas makes Boomer debut to give his dad ‘best birthday ever’

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Jake Santa MariaMidwest Times
Saint Mary's College forward Alex Ducas (44) shoots the ball during the college basketball game between the Saint Mary's College Gaels and the Arizona State Sun Devils on December 18, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
Camera IconSaint Mary's College forward Alex Ducas (44) shoots the ball during the college basketball game between the Saint Mary's College Gaels and the Arizona State Sun Devils on December 18, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Credit: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Geraldton product Alex Ducas made his Boomers debut in Australia’s World Cup qualifier victory over China in Melbourne Sunday night.

With forwards Jack McVeigh and Clint Steindl injured, coach Brian Goorjian called up the 21-year-old St Mary’s product who helped the Buccaneers win the 2019 State championship.

Ducas has followed a long line of Aussies through St Mary’s, including his captain Matthew Dellavedova and NBA guard Patty Mills. He checked into the game for his Boomers debut with 4.4 seconds left in the half grabbing a rebound.

His father and current assistant coach to the Geraldton Buccaneers Aaron Ducas said it was one the best birthday presents he’s ever received.

“When you’re playing for your country that’s pretty much the goal you aim for when you start playing,” he said.

“I had caught up with him for dinner the night before and he told me he had a nice birthday present for me and that’s when he told me ‘I’m playing tomorrow I’m going to be a Boomer.’

“It was an amazing feeling and I was so happy I was there at the court to see him make his debut.”

Ducas has had an outstanding year in the NCAA March Madness tournament starting all 34 games for Saint Mary’s and posting career-high in points, assists, steals and minutes a game.

He was also named in the All-West Coast Conference Second Team for the first time in his career.

Alex will now fly with the Boomers to Jakarta to compete in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup where he will be hoping to help the Boomers defend its title.

St Mary’s will then be flying out to Australia to compete in Sydney, Melbourne and hopefully against the Wildcats in Perth.

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