Former Boomers video analyst and NBL assistant coach Jacob Chance to take charge of national team

The Boomers have turned to former coach Brian Goorjian’s head of video and analytics as his immediate replacement, with Jacob Chance installed to lead the Australian team at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifying tournament in Thailand this month.

Goorjian ended his legendary tenure at the end of the Paris Olympics and without a full-time successor employed, Chance, 30, an assistant coach at Melbourne United, will coach the Australian team stacked with NBL stars in the absence of NBA talent.

Chance has also held NBL assistant coaching roles with the Perth Wildcats and Tasmania Jack Jumpers, and United coach Dean Vickerman was full of praise for him.

“My first interaction with Jacob was during my time with the Boomers program and seeing the elite way he worked was a big reason why we brought him to United,” Vickerman said.

“I think there’s been a lot of conversations surrounding what the pathway is becoming as a Boomers coach and Jacob is a perfect example of a young Australian coach who has done all the right things.”

Chance, who will lead the Boomers in clashes against st Thailand (November 21) and Korea (November 24) said he felt ready to take the reigns.

“I’ve had a good depth of experience in professional basketball over the last decade with both the Boomers and in the NBL,” he said.

“Having exposure to major tournaments like the FIBA Asia Cup, World Cup, Olympics and other windows fills me with confidence for the challenge ahead.

“I’m really proud and also grateful to Basketball Australia and Jason Smith for backing in the pathway of Aussie coaches and I know Kerry, Robbie and myself will take plenty away from the experience.”

The Boomers squad features Olympic bronze medallist Nick Kay, currently playing in Japan, as well as Chris Goulding and Nathan Sobey and a swath of NBL players, including Jack White, Sam Froling, Dejan Vasiljevic, Ben Henshall, Mitch Norton, Jordan Hunter and 18-year-old centre Rocco Zikarsky.

Illawarra Hawks duo Will “Davo” Hickey and Lachlan Olbrich will represent the Boomers for the first time at senior international level.

Australian Boomers – team | FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers

Sam Froling (Illawarra), Chris Goulding (Melbourne), Ben Henshall (Perth), Will ‘Davo’ Hickey (Illawarra), Jordan Hunter (SEM Phoenix), Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic), Mitch Norton (Brisbane), Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra), Nathan Sobey (SEM Phoenix), DJ Vasiljevic (Adelaide), Jack White (Melbourne), Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane).