Dash Daniels gunning to match Bogut-inspired 2003 gold
Emerging star Dash Daniels has declared Australia are primed to end a decades-long medal drought as they seek to write their own history at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
The Emus have not been on the podium since an Andrew Bogut-led line-up broke new ground in 2003 as the only Australian men's team to win gold at a global FIBA tournament.
The current crop are eyeing their own glory but will have to overcome some significant early hurdles in Switzerland, starting with an opening match against eight-time champions USA early on Sunday morning (1.15am AEST).
European heavyweights France and African wildcards Cameroon also feature in Group D - dubbed the 'Group of Death' on FIBA's website.
While the tournament format dictates all 16 teams advance to the knockout rounds, the group stage can make or break a campaign.
But Emus guard and NBA prospect Daniels - the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks star Dyson Daniels - holds no fears.
"A medal is the least you can expect," 17-year-old Daniels told AAP.
"Gold would be fantastic and we've got the team to do it.
"We've just got to get out there and show the world."
Daniels, who will feature as an NBL Next Star with Melbourne United next season, will line up alongside star forward Jacob Furphy for the Emus under head coach Robbie McKinlay.
McKinlay's group are aiming to emulate Rob Beveridge's 2003 Emus outfit, which remains the only team from outside North America and Europe to win the FIBA Under-19 World Cup since its inception in 1979.
Future NBA No.1 draft pick and champion Bogut was the MVP of that 2003 tournament, alongside fellow stars-in-the-making Damian Martin, Brad Newley, Matt Knight, Rhys Carter and Brad Robbins.
The Emus have not reached the quarter-finals at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup since 2015.
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