Three Keilor Thunder basketballers have made the final team which will head to Tasmania next month.

Justin Soleimani and Dante Exum will be playing for Vic Metro for the second time after having been part of under-16 squads, while Dusan Skenderovic will make his debut this year.

Soleimani, from Hillside, started playing basketball in 2000, and hasn't looked back, with selection in the Victorian side just the latest honour for the 17-year-old.

He was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin by the Australian Olympic Committee for demonstrating values which are consistent with the Olympic movement through participation in sporting activities.

Soleimani believes the previous experience will hold him in good stead for the national championships.

"It feels really good to be back in the program and everything so far has been positive.

"In 2009, I didn't know what to expect, but this time I know what I'll be in for."

Like Soleimani, Skenderovic has been at the Thunder since juniors, starting in the under-12 program.

While representing his state at the national titles for the first time, Skenderovic from Caroline Springs, was part of the Victorian Metro side at the East Coast Challenge this year.

Skenderovic is excited to be a part of a state team at nationals after missing out in the past.

"I'm pretty excited and looking forward to going to Tasmania for the event.

"I tried out in under 16s and made it to the third stage, so it'll be the first time with the state team.

"I don't really know what to expect, but I know it'll be a lot more physical."

Both boys will be part of the Thunder's division two men's side in the Big V this season.

Exum, who is based at the Australian Institute of Sports on a basketball scholarship, will be travelling between Canberra and Melbourne in the lead-up to the tournament.

Exum is following in the footsteps of his father, Cecil Exum, a former National Basketball League star.

Both Soleimani and Skenderovic say they have an advantage as they have been playing with each other regularly.

"To be playing with the other two boys is surreal and will make it easier as we know how each other plays," Skenderovic said.

Soleimani added: "We're good mates and it's good they made the side, as we know each other's games which will make it easier on the court."

The boys are joined in the squad by Werribee's Joshua Oswald.