NSWIS athletes selected in Aussie Rollers squad

The Australian Rollers men’s national wheelchair basketball team have named a 21-player squad in contention for selection to represent the team at the 2014 IWF Men’s Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Incheon, South Korea.

The defending world champions, the Rollers squad is littered with star power, including a core of the team that claimed the world title in Birmingham, England four years ago.

Headlining the squad are NSWIS athletes Luke Pople, Michael Auprince and London 2012 silver medallist Nick Taylor.

Head coach Ben Ettridge, Wheelchair Basketball Coach at the NSWIS, said the strength in depth of the squad is testament to the quality of wheelchair basketball in Australia.

“We have an experienced core in the form of Brad Ness, Mike Hartnett, Justin Eveson, Shaun Norris, Tristan Knowles, Bill Latham, Jannik Blair and Nick Taylor, who formed the team that claimed silver in London," Ettridge said.

“These players provide great leadership and really set the standards for the group, giving the younger players a clear expectation of what is required to be part of the Rollers program.

“This squad also includes some exciting young players who have come through our development pathway, such as Tom O’Neill-Thorne, Luke Pople, Michael Auprince and Jordan Bartley.

“All four of these players were keys to the success of the Australian Spinners at the Under 23 World Championships last year."

The Rollers begin their preparation for the World Championships next month with a tour of Europe. The 2014 IWF Men’s Wheelchair Basketball World Championships takes place in Incheon, South Korea from July 3-15.