The Crocs have hit emphatic highs on their way to the group stage in Mongolia. Three games - three wins and a level of dominance that has the team well placed heading into a quarter final on Friday.
With numerous contributors across the opening three games, the depth has been on full display following standout performances from Isiah Jorgenson (QLD), Lucas Byrne (VIC), Tom Dammers (VIC), Luke Paul (WA) and Will Hamilton (VIC).
Head Coach, Greg Vanderjagt made note of a team first mentality and a collective mindset amongst the group.
“All of the athletes have had moments of brilliance across the group stage which has been incredibly pleasing,” said Vanderjagt.
“What I’ve been impressed with the most is the depth we have in this group. This will be a strength of ours at the back end of this tournament.”
That balance has been a hallmark of Australia’s success thus far, with contributions across the roster being a point of difference for the Crocs compared to other top opponents.
“We are a sum-of-all-parts team. It’s not any one player who is going to carry us. The impact of every player is how we will have success… and we have great trust in each and every player to do their job when their number is called.”
The Crocs started their Asia Cup campaign with an emphatic 94-point win over Bahrain (141 – 47) and backed it up with another blowout against India (131 – 42).
The real test came in the third group stage game against Lebanon, with the Crocs holding their nerve to stretch a narrow margin into a 12-point victory (73 - 61) and finish at the top of Group A.
Looking ahead, Crocs coach Greg Vanderjagt is aware of the upcoming challenges the team will face.
“From day to day the shift in the style of play dependent on who we are playing will certainly be one of the biggest challenges ahead,” he said.
“While we don’t yet know our quarter final opponent, the style is certain to be different to what we have faced in the group stages”.
As the stakes rise heading into the knockout finals on Friday, coach Vanderjagt’s message to the group is clear.
“We have to do things our way for longer periods of time,” he said. “At this stage, every team is capable. It’s about who can execute the plan for the longest. No one will solve the problems on their own—we must operate as a collective to have ultimate success.”
With three emphatic wins behind them and a united group finding its rhythm, the Crocs now stand just three games from history in Ulaanbaatar.
