Maker: ''I'm excited to play with the national team for the next qualifying window''

MILWAUKEE (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - It's going to be an exciting moment when Thon Maker puts on the Australia shirt and represents his country. The Milwaukee Bucks star could do so as early as June 29 when the Boomers face Japan in Chiba in their World Cup Qualifier.

"I'm planning on coming to play for the national team this summer for the games against Japan and the Philippines (July 2)," he said.

"We have been speaking a lot about it with (fellow Buck) Matthew Dellavedova and I'm excited to play with the national team for the next qualifying window."

National team coach Andrej Lemanis will have no shortage of players to choose from. United States- and European-based pros will be putting their hands up to play.

"I CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY WITH THEM AND HELP THEM WIN MORE GAMES AND QUALIFY FOR THE NEXT WORLD CUP" Maker

There are also those who went unbeaten at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 and then won four games over the first two Qualifiers windows. Maker has been impressed by those that have competed in the Qualifiers.

"The guys that come to play for the national team during the season sometimes don't get the credit they deserve," he said. "In my opinion, they've been doing an amazing job because they're amazing competitors.

"I'm part of the project so despite not being able to play for the national team during the NBA season, I support them and follow their games. I can't wait to play with them and help them win more games and qualify for the next World Cup."

Australia still have some work to do yet they have been among the best teams on the Road to China 2019. The Boomers began in November with a win at Chinese Taipei and then a home victory over Japan.

"THE PHILIPPINES IS A TEAM WITH A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE. WE ALL KNOW THAT THEIR FANS LOVE BASKETBALL AND ARE GOING TO PUSH FOR THEIR GUYS, AND AS THEY LOST IN THE FIRST GAME AGAINST US, THEY WILL WANT TO WIN AT HOME" Maker

In February Down Under, Australia overcame a determined Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

What appears to be the toughest part of their First Round is next, though, at Japan and then against the Filipinos in Manila.

"Both games are going to be tough, but we want to finish the First Round without any losses," Maker said.

"We will have to deal with crowds and fans that are going to be against us, but we know that we can win if we play at our best level. Japan hasn't won a game yet, but we need to get the job done and win there.

"The Philippines is a team with a lot of international experience. We all know that their fans love basketball and are going to push for their guys, and as they lost in the first game against us, they will want to win at home. The home factor is important for our opponent, but I'm sure that we have the strengths to deal with it and play at our best level to win both games."

Maker would still like to be playing in the NBA but the Bucks' post-season run came to an end when the Boston Celtics eliminated them in Round 1 with a 4-3 series victory. The 21-year-old was a key man for the Bucks in the playoffs while averaging 21.7 minutes per game.

"WITH THE TALENT, THE AMBITION AND THE STRONG CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PLAYERS, WE HAVE ALL THE INGREDIENTS TO PUT AUSTRALIA AMONG THE BEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD FOR A LONG TIME AND WIN MEDALS AND TITLES" Maker

"I'm just trying to keep working hard and make the most of the opportunities that are given to me," he said.

"I've always had that mentality to always learn and improve every single day and to be a student of the game, so I'm always trying to get better and better. It's just who I am. I always want to learn and be a player that we can count on despite my young age. I am happy with how the things have been going for me since I got in the NBA, and I feel that I have improved a lot since I am with the Bucks."

Something else helps Maker a lot.

"I work hard and I play with some great competitors that inspire me and give me so much advice to help me improve on my game," he said, "like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Matthew Dellavedova for example," he said. "I also learn a lot from one of my basketball idols, Kevin Garnett. I was able to practice with him and we talk sometimes so he gives me some tips to improve my game. He is a role model for me."

Australia will be looking to capitalize on Maker's talent. He's one of many huge talents in their set-up.

"The goal is to reach medals and titles in international competitions very soon," Maker said. "Why not at next year's FIBA World Cup? We want to qualify and fight for the top spots in every tournament we are going to play.

"With the talent, the ambition and the strong connection between the players, we have all the ingredients to put Australia among the best teams in the world for a long time and win medals and titles."

FIBA