Great effort so far! However, don't think they will be satisfied with that unless they finish in the top 4.

It would suck to have done so well and then to just lose to France. Are we a good chance to beat France?

We beat France in the 4 nations event at Melbourne. So the boys know they can beat France and would be favoured to win. France finished 4th in their group behind the USA, Greece and Puerto Rico.
However anything can happen at a World Championships - all it takes is one slip up and the dream is over. Hopefully the boys can come out and play another great game to set up a semi-final clash and a chance at a medal.

exactly the same position two years ago - 1st in group after pool stages, then lost to brazil in a quarter final and finished fifth.

We have to get there first! As previously stated we stumbled at the QF hurdle last time around...we lost just 1 game for the entire tourney and finished 5th.

The Emus have an excellent team. As previously stated by coaches in the AIS and high up. This team is easily one of the best Emu's sides we've had. Mainly because our lineup goes 11-12 players deep.

So when one the opposition shuts down one player, the next will step up and drop 20points. Also the advantage is substitutions, because when a player leaves the floor they are not losing the talent. A player of the same ability just comes straight on.

Motum is averaging 16ppg coming of the bench. Fingers crossed we do not choke

Good stuff from the guys to go undefeated so far. Especially as they knocked off Argentina, Spain and Croatia. Lets hope there are no slip-ups this time, because it sounds as though they have the ability to play off for gold.

Does anyone know if most of these players are likely to head off to US colleges next year? Will some be available for NBL teams? If so, the Sixers might want to raid the Emus for a future star!

We need to groom someone to be here long term that the club can continue to build an identity around (eg Maher, and before him guys like Davis, Ninnis, Pearce, McKay)

All the boys are off to college except two as they are too young. There has been a huge contingent of NBA scouts watching our games at the Worlds. Have also seen someone from the 36ers at the games, would that be Liam Flynn? The Emus have been fantastic and do go 12 deep. You can't scout them properly as when one is shut down someone else steps up. No superstar in this team it's a team of champions and hopefully that will bring home the GOLD!!!

Sorry I meant to say a champion team!!!

Yes, Liam Flynn was over there checking out the tournament.

Not all the guys have committed to college yet, word wsa some may go directly to the NBL. Time will tell I suppose.

But that game against Croatia was amazing, some reputations forged in that battle. Atmosphere was incredible with both sets of fans making lots of noise, and even though I am supposed to be the neutral FIBA journo here I couldnt help but go nuts when Dellavedova hit his last big three to effectively end it!

EVERY Eligible College player in the Emu's side are heading over in August...

Shane Harris-Tunks - Colorado
Brock Motum - Washington State
Christian Salecich - Saint Louis
Cody Ellis - Saint Louis
Matthew Dellavedova - Saint Mary's
Matt Hodgson - Southern Utah
Ryan Broekhoff - Valparaiso
Mitch Young - Saint Mary's
Jorden Page - Saint Mary's
Bryce Arnott - Alaska Anchorage (NCAA DivII)

Jason Cadee - Bottom Age, Another year in AIS
Hugh Greenwood - Two more years in AIS

Other players that have signed at NCAA DivI Schools are:


Joel Naburgs: Kilsyth VIC  Stetson
Jordan Vandenberg: Waverly VIC  North Carolina State
Angus Brandt: Penrith NSW  Oregon State
Tanner Kerry: Norths Bears NSW  Pepperdine
Nathan Crombie: AIS/QLD  Southern Utah
Rhys Murphy: Sydney NSW  Oregon State
Liam McInerney: Ballarat/Kilsyth VIC - Stetson

Australia today defeated France in their quarter final 79-73 to move into the semi-finals where they will face Greece.
1 win away from a guaranteed medal and a shot at gold. Go Aussies!