Tuesday, 18 September 2018:
 | | Brisbane coach ANDREJ LEMANIS walks the sideline during the NBL match between Melbourne United and the Brisbane Bullets at Hisense Arena in Melbourne, Australia. | |
|
Australian coach Andrej Lemanis has urged his squad to keep "playing the right way" as they close in on securing their place at the 2019 World Cup in China.
The Boomers opened the second phase of FIBA World Cup qualification in emphatic style, recording back-to-back wins of over 50 points in Qatar and at home to Kazakhstan.
"I'm obviously really pleased with the discipline and intent with which we went about our business over these two games," Lemanis said after the Boomers followed up Friday's 95-43 result in Doha with a 94-41 win over Kazakhstan in Bendigo.
Australia sit on top of their Asian Zone group with seven wins in eight matches and would guarantee a top-three finish and a World Cup berth if they win their next two qualifiers.
Lemanis knows what's at stake when they host Iran and Qatar at Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena in November and December but insists it will not affect their approach.
"It's the old cliche, right? All we can do is control what we can control and come in and play the games as they are presented to us," he said.
"If you start getting lost in the results then the results don't go your way.
"All we need to get lost in is playing defence, talking, sharing the ball, setting screens and playing the right way."
The long journey from Doha to Bendigo appeared to take its toll on the Boomers with key big men Matt Hodgson (calf) and Angus Brandt (ankle) injured in the first half while Anthony Drmic sat out the second half with an ankle complaint.
"That travel schedule is really challenging for the players," Lemanis said.
"Are the injuries a result of the travel schedule? Who knows but it's really demanding."
While the severity of the injuries won't be known until later in the week, it's unlikely the injured trio will take part in the National Basketball League's preseason competition starting on Thursday.
Another pleasing aspect for Lemanis was the impact of forward Daniel Johnson, the Adelaide 36ers star making his international debut against Qatar and tallying 25 points and 10 rebounds over the two qualifiers.
"He's one of those guys who has been knocking on the door, he's always part of the selection discussion," Lemanis said about Johnson.
"He's just kept chipping away and come in proud and happy of his opportunity when it arose.
"He did a great job of taking advantage of it and fitting in with the team."
