With Australian coach Brian Goorjian proclaiming the Boomers will have to play better than any previous Australian team to succeed at the FIBA world championship in Japan, Boomers supporters received good news from the United States this week.

National squad members Chris Anstey, Brad Newley and Boomers captain CJ Bruton are in the USA showing off their talents to National Basketball Association teams. And all have impressed, increasing the likelihood of greater Australian representation in the North American league.

Of the trio, it has been 21 year old South Australian Newley that has been making headlines. Playing at the A.T.T.A.C.K. Athletics gymnasium in Chicago, the Townsville Crocodiles shooting guard has drawn comparisons to one of world basketballs greatest.

“His game resembles Manu Ginobili's more than it does that of most Euros (non-Americans),” said respected ESPN writer Chad Ford, “He's a good athlete, and he actually likes contact.”

One of Newley’s opponents described him as a “tough S.O.B.”, and Ford also liked the Australian’s aggressive play, comparing him with one of America’s most competitive guards.

“He held up well against a very physical (Denham) Brown. Those who remember how Danny Ainge used to play would recognize some of the same feistiness in Newley.”

The 199cm Newley, who led the Australian Young Men’s team with over 17 points per game at the 2005 World Championships, is aiming to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft on June 28th. This would guarantee him a three year contract, and allow him time to adjust to the American style of play.

Meanwhile Boomers veterans Bruton and Anstey have completed a veterans camp held by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Anstey, rated as one of the best outside shooting centres in world basketball, is sure to be of interest to the Cavs, who are looking for a more mobile alternative to incumbent centre Zydrunus Ilgauskas.

While Anstey, who has previously spent three years with the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls, may be a good fit for the Cavs, he also understands the realities of the American professional league.

“It's being in the right place at the right time. I'm not sure that I'm there. But I know that I've done everything I can to give myself the best possible opportunity.”

After gaining MVP honours in the Europe wide ULEB Cup and Australia’s National Basketball League, the 213cm Melbourne native sees the NBA as one of the few things he has not conquered in the world of basketball.

“I think I haven't proven that I can play there yet. I'm more ready to go than I was when I went last time.”

Anstey’s teammate Bruton, who was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1997, has made a name for himself as a savvy point guard for the Boomers, and Anstey is in no doubt that this trait has made him an attractive proposition for Cleveland.

“His experience and decision making is better than any of the other point guards here,” Anstey noted, “He shoots better than them, but is probably a step slower. I would take him over any of the other guards though.”

No doubt Australian fans will be hoping that Bruton’s smarts, Anstey’s range and Newley’s toughness help the Boomers win their first FIBA World Championship medal in Japan. And with all three in such form, that is becoming more of a possibility.

Article courtesy of www.fiba.com