The stakes are now increasing for the Australian Boomers at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
After going 2-1 in the first phase of group play, Australia moves on to the next phase with its sights set on the knockout round. The Boomers opened the tournament with a solid win over Finland followed by a tough loss to Germany. Australia closed things out by taking care of business, earning a convincing win over Japan to finish second in Group E.
The first group phase had its fair share of ups and downs, but Australia still has all of its goals in sight as the second phase gets underway.
The Sporting News takes a look at what's next for the Boomers, including their path to qualifying for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and medaling at the World Cup.
MORE: Ranking the top players at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
What's next for Australia at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
As one of the top two teams in Group E, Australia advances to the second phase where it will take part in Group K.
Group K will consist of Australia and Germany, plus Slovenia and Georgia, the top two finishers in Group F. Australia won't play Germany again, but it will face Luka Doncic's Slovenia and Georgia.
It's extremely important to note that records carry over into the second round — the top two finishers in Group K will advance to the quarterfinals. Germany and Slovenia are at an advantage thanks to 3-0 records.
Ahead of the tournament, Germany ranked second in FIBA's World Power Rankings with Australia coming in at sixth and Slovenia ranking eighth. Group K will be one of the most talented in the second round.
Australia's chances to medal hinge upon its ability to advance to the quarterfinals but it has qualified for the Olympics for finishing higher than New Zealand in the World Cup standings. New Zealand failed to make it out of Group C, which was led by the USA and Greece.
For more information on how qualifying works for the Olympics, click here.
Australian Boomers 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup roster
| No. | Player | Pos. | Team/Club |
| 9 | Xavier Cooks | F | Washington Wizards |
| 1 | Dyson Daniels | G | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 11 | Dante Exum | G | Dallas Mavericks |
| 3 | Josh Giddey | G | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 4 | Chris Goulding | G | Melbourne United |
| 6 | Josh Green | G | Dallas Mavericks |
| 7 | Joe Ingles | F | Orlando Magic |
| 15 | Nick Kay | F/C | Shimane Susanoo Magic |
| 5 | Patty Mills | G | Atlanta Hawks |
| 26 | Duop Reath | C | Al Riyadi |
| 2 | Matisse Thybulle | G | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 14 | Jack White | F | Oklahoma City Thunder |
Australian Boomers schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
The second round of the Group Phase at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will take place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. The Final Phase, or knockout round, begins on Sept. 5 with the third-place and golden medal game scheduled for Sept. 10.
Here is an updated look at Australia's schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (AEST)/Result |
| Friday, Aug. 25 | vs Finland | Australia 98, Finland 72 |
| Sunday, Aug. 27 | vs Germany | Germany 85, Australia 82 |
| Tuesday, Aug. 29 | vs Japan | Australia 109, Japan 89 |
| Friday, Sept. 1 | vs Slovenia | 10:10 p.m. |
| Sunday, Sept. 3 | vs Georgia | 5:30 p.m. |