Blair, Norris and Robins selected in Rollers Team for the 2019 Asia-Oceania Championships

WAIS Wheelchair Basketballers Jannik Blair, Shaun Norris and Kim Robins have been selected in the Australian Rollers Team for the 2019 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Asia-Oceania Championships, in Pattaya, Thailand, 27 November – 8 December.

The Championships form part of the qualification process for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with three positions available after the automatic entry of host nation Japan.

The experienced Norris who has three Paralympic medals to his name including gold from Beijing in 2008 will captain the 12-member squad.

Heading in as the defending champions the Rollers have never lost the Asia-Oceania Championships in its history and again have their eye on the prize as they look to qualify for another Paralympic Games.

“The competition inside our own zone is better than it has ever been, and the challenge to defend our title has never been greater,” said Head Coach Craig Friday.

“Iran, Japan, Korea, Thailand and China all pose a different type of threat, with different playing styles across each team.

“We have made a few changes to the side since our previous tournament as we continue to look for our best line-up that gives us flexibility in combinations and the ability to play different tempos.

“Our focus is to win, but we are well aware of the big picture too.”

WAIS Head Coach Brad Ness joins Friday on the coaching staff with the Rollers facing Korea in their first pool match on Saturday 30 November at 10:30AM Perth Time.

All games will be streamed live on the IWBF YouTube channel here.