Kym Cheeseman
8 September, 2025
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Australia’s Crocs have made history by claiming an unprecedented fourth consecutive FIBA U16 Asia Cup crown, with six of Victoria’s rising stars playing a central role in the record-breaking triumph.
The Crocs overpowered China 85 - 58 in Sunday’s final at the M Bank Arena, securing their place as the tournament’s most successful nation and extending their unbeaten run in the competition to 23 games.
Will Hamilton (Gippsland United) capped off an impressive campaign with 16 points and 8 rebounds in the gold medal clash, earning selection in the prestigious All-Star Five. Hamilton’s blend of size, skill and composure proved decisive throughout the tournament, as he anchored the Crocs in crucial moments.
He was well supported by fellow Victorian Lucas Byrne (Ballarat), who added 11 points and 7 rebounds in the final. But the Victorian influence went deeper, with all Victorians on show throughout the tournament, adding valuable minutes and versatility:
- Tom Dammers (Nunawading) stood out across the competition averaging 13 points per game, highlighting his scoring efficiency and presence in important rotations.
- Alex Mabbott (Nunawading), at 6'9", anchored the interior with persistence and reliability, contributing around 9.5 points per game.
- Josh McCann (Eltham) brought versatility as a forward, playing his part within a deep lineup; his inclusion highlights Basketball Victoria’s strength in nurturing flexible, high-IQ players.
- Max Pavey (Sandringham), known for his guard-like handling and sharp shooting, gave the Crocs a dynamic scoring option - another reflection of the state’s strong player development pipeline.
Together, these Victorians provided not just depth, but adaptability and composure, essential in sustaining Australia’s dominance across all four quarters.
Photo credit - FIBA
The Gold Medal Match
The Crocs’ dominance was never in doubt once they surged clear in the third quarter, with a blistering 30-point final term, the Crocs’ sealed their place in history.
Adding further significance to the achievement, Australia’s semifinal run also secured qualification for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 in Turkey, with the Crocs joining New Zealand, China and Japan as Asia’s representatives.
To read more about the tournament click below to visit the FIBA website.
