Four ex-Cornhuskers advance in FIBA World Cup qualifiers

Australia dismantled the Philippines 92-49 on Monday, a dominant display that sent Jack McVeigh and his teammates through Group A with an unblemished record. The former Nebraska guard contributed three points, two assists and two steals in 22 minutes off the bench, helping secure Australia’s perfect 6-0 run.

Four ex-Cornhuskers spread across FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers on four continents. McVeigh, Thorir Thorbjarnarson, Keisei Tominaga, and Tai Webster each carried Nebraska’s legacy into their respective tournaments—Australia, Iceland, Japan, and New Zealand.

Iceland’s campaign gained momentum in European qualifiers. Thorbjarnarson’s squad defeated Great Britain 88-86 to advance to the second round. The former Husker appeared for seven minutes off the bench, posting three points, one rebound and one steal.

Japan clinched Group B after downing China, but stumbled against Korea 81-79 on Monday. Tominaga, the third ex-Nebraska player competing in the tournament, went scoreless in five minutes against the Koreans.

New Zealand’s run has been nothing short of dominant. Webster and the Tall Blacks crushed Guam 129-75 on Monday. The fourth former Cornhusker recorded six points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals in 19 minutes.

All four return to action when the next international window opens August 24 through September 1.