'Grounded' Boomers grind Iran into semi-final dust

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Player of the game William "Davo" Hickey said head coach and the Boomers leadership group had kept the Australian team grounded on its march to the 2025 Asia Cup gold medal game after crushing Iran 92-48 in the semi-final on Sunday, August 16, 2025 in Saudi Arabia.

The Boomers face China for the gold medal and automatic qualification to the FIBA World Cup in 2026 at 2am on Monday, August 18, 2025.

"Capes, has done a good job of sort of just grounding us," Hickey said.

"We understand that we're a good team, we're aware of that, but you can't take any team here for granted. Everybody's a talented team.

"At the end of the day there's professionals all over. So if we come in with that mindset, then you can see what happened to other teams that they've come in a bit lackadaisical. And I feel like that's a shout out to Capes.

"He's done a good job of just really keeping us grounded. And the leaders in our room as well, Mags (Will Magnay) and Zave (Xavier Cooks) especially, they've really done a good job of just making sure we don't get too ahead of ourselves and we stay humble.

"And I feel like that's come, that's shown out in the court, especially just with our defense and, and how committed we are to that end."

Iran led 15-12 with 3:29 to go in 1st quarter but then the Boomers went on 12-5 run, led by Hickey's energy and effort to lead 27-20 at quarter-time. Australia's staunch defense held the Iranians to just 28 points the rest of the way.

Hickey finished with 14 points in 15 minutes on 5-from-9 from the field. He had six rebounds, six assists and was +27. His minutes came when the game was to be won and he delivered. The highlight came with an unselfish fast break assist to set-up Jack White for a thunderous and-1 dunk.

Every Australian player logged double figure minutes as they prepared for a historic Asia Cup threepeat in less than 24 hours.

"We're just very impressed with our defense and our depth plays a big role in that," Caporn said.

"They're a good team, a good offensive team, a good team and the start of the game was obviously close and tough. And just as we're able to keep bringing bodies in, and everyone being committed to the defensive end, it's difficult for the other team to deal with.

"So proud of our guys. Down to a man everyone worked really hard, was committed to the defensive end, that's what we're trying to be about."

Hickey has been the spark plug that seems to always coincide with Australia making a run. The NBL25 champion, who played for the Chicago Bulls at the 2025 Summer League, explained how and why he plays the way he does.

"If you're looking at who I am, that's all through my grandparents," Hickey revealed.

"They've always just instilled that into me, told me who I am and reassured me, who I am.

"I'm a very proud black man from Australia. That's where I feel like my fire comes from. Who I am, how I've been raised, by warriors.

"I try to instil that into the court and hopefully people can see that, raise the level, that's where it all comes from to be real."

Key Details

• Result: Australia 92 def. Iran 48
• When: August 17, 2025
• Where: King Abdullah Sports City, Saudi Arabia (KSA)

By the Numbers

• Jack McVeigh (Australia) starred with 17 points, three rebounds, and two assists in 21 minutes.
• Sina Vahedi (Iran) scored 11 points and had one rebound in 22 minutes.

What Happened

The Boomers established their dominance early, racing to a 27-20 lead after the first quarter behind efficient shooting and strong defensive presence. They continued to build momentum in the second period, holding Iran to just nine points while adding 24 of their own to take a commanding 51-29 advantage into halftime.

Australia's defensive intensity reached another level in the third quarter, limiting Iran to a dismal eight points while pouring in 29 of their own. The Boomers' ball movement and shot selection were exceptional, as they consistently found open looks and converted at a high rate, shooting 57.1 percent from the field compared to Iran's lacklustre 26.9 percent.

William "Davo" Hickey delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists, showcasing his playmaking ability and court vision. Harry Wessels added 16 points on efficient 6-from-10 shooting, while Jack White contributed 11 points on a stellar 4-from-5 from the field.

The Boomers' dominance was evident in nearly every statistical category. They out-rebounded Iran 46-30, including a 36-18 advantage on the defensive glass, and recorded more assists (18-9), steals (7-6), and blocks (2-1). Australia's ball protection was also superior, committing just 12 turnovers compared to Iran's 13.

Iran struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the contest, connecting on just 6-from-39 attempts from beyond the arc for a poor 15.4 percent. Mobin Sheikhi added eight points and four rebounds but shot just 3-from-12 from the field as Australia's defense stifled Iran's scoring opportunities consistently.

With this comprehensive victory, Australia begins their FIBA World Cup campaign on a high note, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower. Their balanced attack saw five players score in double figures, with every player on the roster contributing in meaningful ways.