Winning a rare 'three-peat' has been the expectations observers have set on Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, but such a matter is hardly being discussed within the team whatsoever.
What the present batch talks about and thinks of, really, is ensuring that they can collectively continue the Boomers' way - or keeping the program's winning tradition alive, particularly in the continental tilt.
"We haven't talked about the three-peat necessarily," said Jack McVeigh,
"But definitely, we've talked about the history of Australia in this and how they've played," he added, "and what we can learn from and take from and that kind of culture and style that Australia plays with."
"And, definitely carrying that forward into this tournament," he furthered.
Newly appointed head coach Adam Caporn went with a youth-laden Australia squad for this year's Asia Cup, without any remnant of the batch that swept its way toward back-to-back titles in 2022 in Jakarta.
In fact, the average age of this particular group is at 24.0 although the squad's brain thrust still made it a point to add in a few seasoned players into the mix, and one of which is the 29-year-old McVeigh himself.
"We got a bunch of young fellas and got to wear the Australian green and gold for the first time, and then we got vets - guys that have been around, played a lot of years in professional basketball," he said.
"It's like a great combination of energy, and a little bit of wisdom to go out there and help us win games," added the 2024 Olympian, who's a proud product of the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.
The former Houston Rocket has been playing professionally since 2018 and he's embracing the somewhat unique role he has - being a vocal bridge of sorts between their predecessors and the young bloods.
The Boomers went clean 3-0 in their group stage of 2025 Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City, and that dominant performance wouldn't have been possible without complete team performance. Catch the highlights from all the game below.
Australia def. Korea (97 - 61) |
Australia def. Lebanon (93 - 80) |
Australia def. Qatar (110 - 82) |
"I'm about to head into my eighth year as a pro. So that's being around. And, using my voice to lead, create confidence, and help everyone get the best out of each other on the court," said McVeigh.
Next up for the crew is Philippines Wednesday at 21:00 (AEST), which, without a doubt is one of the most anticipated matches of this year's Asia Cup after the two duked it out during the infamous game in 2018.
McVeigh, though, is excited for the challenge.
"They're gonna be some great basketball teams, and it's a great basketball tournament," the New South Wales-native offered. "We're gonna have to come, bring our best, do what we do, and play Australian basketball."
"I feel good about what's gonna happen," he closed.
