Basketball On The Internet.

AUSTRALIA's Boomers will face their age-old cross-Tasman rival, the New Zealand Tall Blacks, late next month in Hobart as part of the qualifying process for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, current national captain, Olympian Will Magnay, rapt to open the series at the home of his Tasmania JackJumpers.

“Tasmania is a special place, and the fans have gone to another level in embracing the game here,” Magnay said. “I feel lucky to be a part of the momentum over the last few years, with the Jackies and now with an opportunity to represent as an Australian Boomer.

“The game in November against the Tall Blacks will be the first challenge in the World Cup run, and we will be ready to meet it.”

MyState Bank Arena will switch from its NBL chants for the JackJumpers of "March! March! March!" to "Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi" for the Boomers on Friday, November 28 with the first visit to the Apple Isle by the national men's team since a 2006 Oceania Championship matchup.

Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven was on hand this week for the announcement, along with Jane Howlett, Tasmania's Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, and Ben Smith, CEO of Basketball Tasmania.

“Tasmania is thrilled to be hosting the Australian Boomers’ first game towards qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup — and its first-ever World Cup Qualifier,” Howlett said.

“Tasmanians love their basketball, and I know that they will come along and support our Aussie Boomers as they take on New Zealand on November 28.

“This event is a significant boost for Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sectors as we host travelling fans in Hobart and continue to strengthen our reputation as a world-class host for major events.”

Really? OK, suppose we cannot overlook the annual Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race.

Neither Australia nor New Zealand will have access to their NBA contingents but the depth of talent now on display in the NBL and through Asia will ensure a cracker of a contest.

In NBL News, Perth has cut import Mason Jones after five largely indifferent performances.