Short from Ballarat is one of five country players in the 10-strong squad which will contest the nationals in Bendigo in February.

His selection continues his progression through the state pathway program.

Short captained the Vic Country under-18 team in 2015 and then represented Victoria in the under-20 titles earlier this year.

His latest achievement continues what has already been a massive year for him.

He made his debut for Australia in the prestigious Albert Schweitzer under-18 tournament in Germany in  March and April - earning that accolade after a Basketball Australia development camp for potential national players in January.

The tournament is the only world event for under-18s and is played every two years.

Victoria under-20 men's coach Daniel Smith said he was excited with the mix of country and metro players.

"We didn't plan it that way whatsoever, but did it with the vision of getting the best ten kids and that's the way it played out," Smith said.

"Phillip Island, Maffra, Ballarat, Geelong and throughout metropolitan  Melbourne - they come from all over and it's a great endorsement of the combined metro and country effort."

Full state squad: Tom Pupavac (Geelong), Mate Colina (Melbourne), Matt Johns (Geelong), Ovie Magbegor (Coburg), Tristan Lloyd (Frankston), Jamie A'Hale (Kilsyth), Gabe Hadley (Dandenong), Sam Short (Ballarat), Jack Perry (Dandenong), Sam Whelan (Maffra)

The national under-20 titles will again be played in association with the Ivor Burge Championships for people with an intellectual disability.