KERRY Williams had no idea who Nic Mercer was on Monday.

But by the time he got off the phone with the Boomers manager after being told he had become the newest member of the Australian basketball team, Williams had a smile like a split watermelon that could not be wiped from his face.

The Taipans point guard was yesterday named in a 35-man squad for the Boomers’ opening camp of the year in Canberra next month along with fellow Far Northern products Nathan Jawai and Aron Baynes.

While Williams’ goal has always been to play for his country, he said selection had come years earlier than he expected and he had been "shocked" to get a call-up.

"I had no idea (a squad was being announced), none whatsoever," Williams said.

"It was beyond my goals, for another three or four years.

"I couldn’t stop smiling. I was pretty shocked and pleased at the same time.

"Williams was signed as a development player by the Taipans last season after
returning from North Idaho junior college but spent plenty of time on court with guard Stephen Black battling a back injury.

When imports Dave Thomas and Larry Abney were axed after the club was placed in administration and Black quit due to
ongoing injury issues, Williams faced pressure to perform and delivered.

He quickly grabbed the attention of NBL coaches with his speed and ball skills with many, including former Boomers coach Brian Goorjian, singing his praises.

"I heard whispers but I really didn’t focus on it or anything," Williams said of the feedback.

Incoming Taipans coach Aaron Fearne said the 21-year-old deserved his Boomers chance.

"I think he showed enough during the NBL season that he was definitely a bit of – I don’t know if excitement machine’s the word – but he was definitely unique," Fearne said.

"He adds a little bit of difference and teams really struggle to guard him.’’

There’s no chance of complacency with Williams.

"I’ll probably work a bit harder, a lot harder actually," he said.

"Now I know I’m a little bit there, I’ve got to push harder so I can get there fully.’’

Just three members of last year’s Olympic team have been named in the Boomers squad. Fearne said Williams had the chance to push his claims for the future.

Boomers squad: Adam Ballinger, David Barlow, Aron Baynes, Aaron Bruce, Jason Cadee, Rhys Carter, Cody Ellis, Oscar Forman, Adam Gibson, Chris Goulding, Hugh Greenwood, Tom Greer, Igor Hadziomerovic, James Harvey, Brad Hill, Nathan Herbert, Jacob Holmes, Joe Ingles, Nathan Jawai, Luke Kendall, Julian Khazzouh, Daniel Kickert, Matthew Knight, Alex Loughton, Aleks Maric, Damian Martin, Steven Markovic, Patrick Mills, Brock Motum, Luke Nevill, Liam Rush, Damien Ryan, Luke Schenscher, Greg Vanderjagt, Stephen Weigh, Kerry Williams.

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