Warrnambool teenagers Jay Rantall and Liam Herbert ready to fly at 2018 FIBA Under 16 Asia Cup in China

Warrnambool pair Jay Rantall and Liam Herbert say a delay in picking a destination and dates for the FIBA Under 16 Asia Cup has allowed them to overcome injury and learn more about their Crocs teammates.

They will fly out to China for the eight-day tournament on March 31 – some five months after the team was announced.

“It’s probably been for the best for me and Liam with the injuries we’ve had that it’s been put back but it’s an exciting time now,” Rantall said.

Herbert said extra training camps with the national team, including one on the March long weekend, would ensure Australia was a cohesive unit.

He knows his on-court chemistry with Warrnambool Seahawks teammate Rantall will be a benefit on the world stage.

“It’s a dream come true,” Herbert said.

“Playing all through under 12s, 14s, 16s and probably even younger and going through everything together, all the ups and downs, and finally to be here and have the dates and to be going away and playing together, you couldn’t ask for much more.”

Australia must finish top four at the under 16 tournament to qualify for the FIBA Under 17 World Cup in Argentina in late June. The Crocs will enter the Asian qualifiers as hot favourites.

“There’s pressure not to lose,” Rantall said. 

“We think we can win so hopefully we can come away on top.”

Herbert said Australia had assembled a team which could replicate the success its men’s side, the Boomers, had at the 2017 Asia Cup.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good team,” he said. 

“We’ve got a lot of length and athleticism and a lot of speed so going away there will be a lot of small, quick guards from Japan and China but I think we’ll be able to match it and hopefully win.”