Boomers to play Iran in World Challenge

The Boomers World Challenge matches will be played in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne as the Australians fine-tune their squad for the August Olympics in Beijing.

Iran have been drawn in the same group as Australia at the opening round of the Games.

"We're delighted to have secured three games against Iran," Basketball Australia chief executive Scott Derwin said.

"We expect them as Asian Champions to be spirited competition and we hope the people of Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne get to a game to support the Boomers and Australian basketball in this critical step toward Beijing."

Last year Iran defeated Lebanon to win the 2007 Asian crown, qualifying their first men's basketball team for an Olympic Games since 1948.

Australia, ranked ninth in the world, defeated New Zealand 2-1 to earn the right to play in Beijing.

Iran has yet to name its player roster for the tour but have a centre, Jaber Rouzbahani, who stands at 226cm and can dunk the ball without leaving the ground.