Will Hickey and the Australian Boomers have confirmed their status as the powerhouse of Asian basketball, completing an undefeated campaign at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup to secure their third consecutive title.
The reigning champions swept through Group A with comfortable wins over South Korea (91-61), Lebanon (93-80) and Qatar (110-82), before edging China 90-89 in a dramatic final at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The victory extended Australia's perfect record since debuting in the competition in 2017 to 18-0.
Gomeroi and Wiradjuri guard Hickey has been one of the stories of the tournament, delivering consistent performances across the group stage before stepping up in the knockout rounds.
He earned TCL Player of the Match against Iran in the tournament's semi-final after posting 14pts, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Hickey's breakout came against Qatar, where he posted 15 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists in 21 minutes where his balanced stats helped secure top spot for the Boomers and direct qualification to the quarterfinals.
In the championship game, Hickey finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in just under 23 minutes.
His timing proved critical, with a backdoor finish, a putback and late defensive stops ensuring the Boomers held on under pressure.
While Hickey's contributions were vital, the big numbers came from Xavier Cooks and Jaylin Galloway.
Cooks scored 30 points on 13-of-17 shooting and grabbed 9 rebounds. He was named game MVP for his ability to consistently break down China's defence and set the tone.
Galloway, playing in his first Asia Cup final, hit six three-pointers on his way to 23 points and 5 rebounds.
China entered the final determined to spoil the Boomers' perfect run, opening with a 25-17 lead behind Hu Jinqiu's interior dominance and Hu Mingxuan's outside shooting.
Their advantage stretched to 15 points in the second quarter before Cooks sparked an Australian fightback to trail by just four at the half.
Momentum swung throughout the third quarter, with Galloway's fast break dunk capping a 9-0 run that briefly put Australia ahead.
China responded through Cheng Shuaipeng and Lei Meng, and the lead remained tight heading into the final period.
Down the stretch Hickey's offensive rebound and putback pushed the Boomers in front, Will Magnay produced a crucial block, and Cooks steadied the offence with drives to the basket.
China still had the last shot, but Mingxuan's potential game-winner bounced off the rim, the Boomers winning 90-89.
For coach Adam Caporn's side, the triumph was as much about resilience as talent. Winning close contests and integrating new faces such as Hickey while maintaining high standards has ensured Australia's dominance continues.
With three straight titles and an 18–0 record since joining the competition, the Boomers have not only completed a three-peat but established themselves as the undisputed benchmark in Asia Cup basketball.
