Boomers to bound into Bendigo

THE Australian men’s basketball team, the Boomers, are heading to Red Energy Arena in late February.

The squad will be in town to take on South Korea as part of the qualifying rounds for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

Premier and Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, welcomed the national team’s return to town.

“We love seeing the Boomers play in Bendigo and the team can be sure fans will get behind them as they compete for qualification in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025,” she said.

The national men’s team was last in Bendigo in August 2022 when they took on and defeated Iran 98 to 68.

Thousands of fans turned out for the event and team coach Brian Goorjian said spectator support was an important part of games.

“It’s always great playing at home, there is nothing like it, I love it and so do the team, you lift for the crowd, and I know Bendigo are mad basketball fans so it will be a great atmosphere,” he said.

The greater Bendigo has a history of producing top basketball talent, with players like Dyson Daniels taken at number eight in the 2022 NAB draft and now playing key minutes with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven praised the region’s talent pool and facilities.

“Bendigo is a basketball city, it has produced international stars such as Matthew Dellavedova, Kristi Harrower and Dyson Daniels and has a stadium that meets the standards to host FIBA games,” he said.

The game, set for Thursday 22 February is being paid for through the State Government’s Visit Victoria program and the Events Fund.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said there were many benefits to hosting the game in Bendigo.

“We’re proud to bring the Boomers to Bendigo to give local fans a chance to see their heroes in action while boosting the local economy and putting the region on the global stage through international broadcasts,” he said.