​Over the weekend, four former Nebraska men’s basketball players contributed to their international teams as they pushed to qualify for a major global tournament. Jack McVeigh represented Australia, Thorir Thorbjarnarson played for Iceland, Keisei Tominaga suited up for Japan, and Tai Webster competed for New Zealand, all helping their nations advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Australia claimed Group A with an unbeaten 6-0 record after a dominant 92-49 victory over the Philippines on Monday. In the win, Jack McVeigh contributed three points, two assists, and a pair of steals across 22 minutes on the court. While his scoring was modest, his presence and defense helped Australia maintain control throughout the game as the team continued its strong run in the group stage.
Iceland earned a spot in the second round by edging Great Britain 88-86 in their European qualifiers showdown. Thorir Thorbjarnarson came off the bench and added three points, one rebound, and one steal in seven minutes of action, contributing in a tight, late-game finish where every possession mattered for the Icelandic squad as they closed out the win and sealed their advancement.
In Japan, the team clinched Group B earlier by defeating China in a prior matchup, but they faced a narrow 81-79 defeat to Korea on Monday. Keisei Tominaga was held scoreless, logging only five minutes on the floor, which limited his opportunities to influence the game. Despite the loss, Japan’s path to the second round remains intact through the group standings, leaving room for adjustments in the next window of play as they aim to secure qualification.
New Zealand produced a resounding 129-75 triumph over Guam on Monday, with Tai Webster delivering a well-rounded effort. Webster finished with six points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals in 19 minutes of action, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor and contributing to a historic margin victory that kept New Zealand well-positioned in their quest for advancement.
As the international calendar resumes, the next window of play is scheduled to run from August 24 to September 1, offering these former Huskers another chance to impact their teams’ progress toward the World Cup.
For ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions, follow Cornhuskers Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like the page on Facebook. This article originated on Cornhuskers Wire, and the focus remains on highlighting how former Nebraska players participate in global competition and their efforts to help their teams reach the World Cup tournament.