Gomeroi and Wiradjuri guard Will Hickey has produced his best game of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup for the Australian Boomers in their 110-82 win over Qatar to seal an undefeated start at the tournament.
Hickey posted 15 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists in 21 minutes, leading a balanced team performance that secured a 3-0 sweep of Group A.
So far the reigning two-time champions have also beaten South Korea (91-61) and Lebanon (93-80), locking up top spot and direct entry to the quarterfinals.
Five Boomers scored in double figures against Qatar, with Jaylin Galloway leading with 24 points and Reyne Smith adding 15 off the bench.
After trailing 46-43 at halftime, Australia poured in 31 points in the third quarter to take control, outscoring their opponents by 13 in the period.
Head coach Adam Caporn praised his team's lift after the main break.
"I didn't think we started very well defensively but finished very well defensively," Mr Caporn said.
"Particularly in the third quarter, when our starters came back. That turned the game for us."
Hickey's performances have improved each outing.
He opened the tournament with 11 points against South Korea, followed by 4 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists against Lebanon, before delivering his most complete game against Qatar.
Mentor Uncle Ricky Baldwin said Hickey's rise shows his ability to inspire.
"Now that Patty is gone – they (Boomers) will need an Indigenous athlete to shine," Baldwin said.
"From the day we met – I said 'you have the gift not many have and you have to use that gift.'
"His ceiling – it's bigger than basketball, he can make an impact on the community and it's inspiring so many young kids already."
Australia will meet either Saudi Arabia or the Philippines in Wednesday's quarterfinal.