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Luke Travers
Luke Travers
from Wikipedia

Luke Jacob Travers (born 3 September 2001) is an Australian professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League. After playing for the Rockingham Flames in the State Basketball League (SBL), Travers opted to forgo college basketball in the United States to begin his professional career in Australia. He made his debut for the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League (NBL) in 2019 and went on to be selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 56th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He joined Melbourne United in 2023 and then joined the Cavaliers in 2024.

Key Information

Early life and career

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Travers was born in the Perth southern suburb of Rockingham.[1] He attended Port Kennedy Primary School[1] and Willetton Senior High School.[2][3] He played basketball for the Rockingham Flames as a junior[4] and was childhood friends with AFL player Luke Jackson.[5]

Travers in 2017

Travers made his senior debut for the Rockingham Flames in the State Basketball League (SBL) in 2017. He saw action in five games and totaled five points.[6] In 2018, he played five games during the regular season and then all five games during the finals, helping the Flames sweep the Geraldton Buccaneers 2–0 in the quarter-finals and averaging 14.7 points during the 2–1 semi-final series loss to the Perry Lakes Hawks.[7] That year, he was named Male WABL Player of the Year.[8] In 2019, he played 18 games for the Flames and averaged 11.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.[9] He was an integral player for the Flames in 2019, starting a number of games but often used as the sixth man off the bench.[10] He was subsequently named the SBL Most Improved Player.[11]

In 2018, Travers helped break a 17-year drought for Western Australia, winning gold at the Under 18 National Championships.[4][12]

Professional career

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Perth Wildcats (2019–2023)

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2019–20 season

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On 1 August 2019, Travers signed with the Perth Wildcats as a development player for the 2019–20 NBL season.[12] His elite athleticism and ability to play multiple positions made him an attractive option for the Wildcats.[10] Regarded as one of Australia's most sought-after basketball prospects, he had interest from a number of colleges in the United States,[10] but indicated his desire to turn professional due to a lack of motivation at school.[13] In his debut for the Wildcats on 1 December 2019, he had three points, four assists and two rebounds in roughly 11 minutes in a 99–88 loss to the Adelaide 36ers.[14] On 20 December 2019, he opted to forgo college basketball and begin his professional career, signing a three-year contract extension with the Wildcats.[15][16] He played four games during the season[17] and was a member of the Wildcats' championship-winning squad in March 2020.[18][19]

Travers joined the Cockburn Cougars in 2020,[13][20] where he averaged 17.8 points, 14.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks in five games during the West Coast Classic.[21]

2020–21 season

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Continuing on as a development player in the 2020–21 NBL season, Travers was thrust into a much larger role early on, starting in both of the Wildcats' pre-season games against the Illawarra Hawks.[22] While mostly a traditional wing player, he added strength to his frame over the off-season and was assigned the starting power forward role.[22] He was replaced in the starting line-up by Jarred Bairstow midway through the season,[23] with Travers later stating he got complacent in the role and was forced to work his way back into starting contention.[24] On 28 March 2021, he went 6-of-6 from the field for 16 points off the bench in an 89–65 win over the Sydney Kings.[25] A season-ending injury to Bryce Cotton saw Travers return to the starting line-up as a guard at the back-end of the regular season and in the semi-finals.[26] On 27 May, he had 16 points and eight rebounds in an 81–67 win over the Kings.[27] In the 2–1 semi-final series win over Illawarra, Travers averaged 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and three assists per game.[26] He went on to miss the first two games of the grand final series against Melbourne United with a calf injury,[28][29][30] returning in game three to record nine points and six rebounds off the bench in an 81–76 series-ending loss.[31][32]

On 1 July 2021, Travers signed with the Mandurah Magic for the rest of the 2021 NBL1 West season.[33][34] However, he was never cleared by the Wildcats medical staff to play for Mandurah.[35]

2021–22 season

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Travers entered the 2021–22 NBL season as a fully contracted player[36] and earned the rank of number 83 in ESPN's top 100 NBA draft rankings.[37] On 5 December 2021, he had a career-high 14 rebounds in the Wildcats' 90–67 win over the Cairns Taipans.[38][39] On 5 February 2022, he scored a career-high 24 points in a 101–79 win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.[40] He averaged 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game during the 2021–22 season, playing both inside and outside roles while also periodically running the offense.[41]

2022 NBA draft and Summer League

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On 24 April 2022, Travers declared for the 2022 NBA draft.[42] He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 56th overall pick.[43] He joined the Cavaliers for the 2022 NBA Summer League,[44] where he averaged 6.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks in five games.[45]

2022–23 season

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Travers re-joined the Wildcats for the 2022–23 NBL season.[46] He helped the Wildcats return to the finals by recording 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in the regular-season finale against the Sydney Kings.[47] In 29 games, he averaged 9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game.[48]

Travers parted ways with the Wildcats on 30 March 2023.[49]

Melbourne United (2023–2024)

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On 17 April 2023, Travers signed a three-year deal with Melbourne United.[50][51][52] Three months later, he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the 2023 NBA Summer League championship.[53][54][55] He played in each of Cleveland's five games, averaging 7.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 blocks per game.[55]

While initially signed by United to fill a power forward role, Travers was trialled as a point guard during pre-season.[56] In his debut for United on 28 September 2023, he scored a game-high 20 points in an 82–67 win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.[57] In game one of United's semi-finals series against the Illawarra Hawks, Travers had 24 points and eight rebounds in a 115–106 overtime win.[58] In 36 games (34 starts) during the 2023–24 NBL season, he averaged 12.4 points on .517 shooting from the field, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.33 blocks and 1.17 steals in 27.0 minutes.[59]

On 7 August 2024, United granted Travers a release from his contract to pursue NBA opportunities.[60]

Cleveland Cavaliers (2024–present)

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In July 2024, Travers re-joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2024 NBA Summer League[61] and on 28 August, he signed a two-way contract with the team,[62] splitting the 2024–25 season with the Cavaliers' NBA G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.[59] He appeared in all four preseason games for the Cavaliers.[63] He made his NBA debut on 1 November against the Orlando Magic, playing the last four minutes of the game and finished with four points, two rebounds, two assists and one block in a 120–109 win.[64][65] On 13 December, he recorded his first career triple-double with 25 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds with two blocks in 38 minutes in the Charge's 141–131 win over the Wisconsin Herd.[66][67] Following this game, he was sidelined with an ankle injury until late January.[68] On 13 February 2025, he posted his second triple-double of the season with 25 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks in a 130–116 win over Raptors 905.[69] On 12 March, he recorded his third triple-double of the season with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 120–113 win over the Rip City Remix.[70] On 29 March, he recorded his fourth triple-double of the season with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a 128–93 win over the Long Island Nets.[71][72]

On 2 July 2025, Travers re-signed with the Cavaliers on a two-way contract.[73]

National team career

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In 2018, Travers represented Australia at the Under-17 FIBA World Cup in Argentina and won gold at the Under-16 FIBA Asia Championship in China.[12][74] He had 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks for Australia in their title-clinching victory over China and was named in the all-tournament second team.[75]

In August 2022, Travers made his Australian Boomers debut during the World Cup qualifiers.[76][77]

Personal life

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Travers is the son of Karl and Sam Travers.[78] He has a brother and a sister.[79]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Luke Travers (born 3 September 2001) is an Australian professional player who serves as a forward for the of the (NBA) and their affiliate, the , in the . Travers began his professional career in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the , where he contributed to their 2020 championship win before moving to for the 2023–24 season. Selected by the Cavaliers in the second round (56th overall) of the , he signed a with the team in August 2024 and re-signed for the 2025–26 season on July 2, 2025, allowing him to split time between the NBA and G League. In limited NBA action across 18 games over the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons, he has averaged 1.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game (as of November 2025). His development has been particularly notable in the G League with the Charge, where during the 2024–25 season he averaged 15.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over 16 games, achieving four triple-doubles—including a standout performance of 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists against the on February 14, 2025. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and weighing 207 pounds (94 kg), Travers shoots right-handed and has shown versatility as a scoring forward with strong rebounding and playmaking abilities.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Luke Travers was born on September 3, 2001, in Perth, Western Australia. He is the son of Karl Travers, a fly-in fly-out worker in Darwin, and Samantha "Sam" Travers, a pharmacy assistant. Travers has an older brother, Riley, and an older sister, Thyra, with whom he grew up in a close-knit family environment. Travers spent his entire childhood in the same family home in Rockingham, near the foreshore, Safety Bay, and Warnbro Beach, where weekends often involved beach outings or riding bikes and scooters with siblings and friends. The family's modest lifestyle emphasized stability, with Karl providing financial support through his demanding job and Sam managing daily routines while attending local events. From a young age, Travers' interest in was nurtured by his family, particularly inspired by watching Riley play, which ignited his passion for the sport. The siblings shared a home basketball ring, fostering early play and bonding, while his parents demonstrated unwavering support through sacrifices like early morning drives to sessions before work. This foundational encouragement from his family laid the groundwork for his later involvement in organized youth basketball.

Schooling and initial basketball involvement

Travers attended Port Kennedy Primary School before enrolling at Willetton Senior High School in Perth, , where he balanced his formal education with developing his basketball skills. As part of his early development, Travers participated in the Basketball WA high-performance program, which provided structured training and opportunities to hone his athletic abilities alongside other promising talents in the state. During high school, Travers experienced a significant growth spurt, increasing his height to approximately 6 feet 8 inches, which enhanced his versatility on the court and boosted his potential as a professional prospect by allowing him to compete effectively at higher levels. His initial competitive experiences began with local clubs, including a debut in the State Basketball League (SBL) for the in 2017 as a junior, where he gradually increased his role in subsequent seasons. In 2018, Travers earned selection for the state team, contributing to their success in breaking a 17-year championship drought at the national under-18 championships. Following his high school graduation in 2019, Travers decided to forgo in the United States, instead choosing a direct professional pathway by signing a development contract with the in the National Basketball League (NBL) to accelerate his career progression.

Professional career

Perth Wildcats years (2019–2023)

Travers signed with the as an 18-year-old development player in July 2019, marking the beginning of his professional career in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL). As a development player, he was part of the team's training roster and received opportunities to develop alongside established professionals, contributing to the ' depth during his initial stint. In the 2019–20 season, Travers made his NBL debut on December 1, 2019, scoring his first professional points in a game against the . He appeared in four regular-season games, averaging 1.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench, while the Wildcats captured the NBL championship—their fourth title in franchise history—after defeating in the finals. Travers' role was minimal but meaningful as part of the championship squad, providing energy and learning from veterans during the title run. Travers saw an increased role in the 2020–21 season, appearing in 36 games (including ) and averaging 4.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 55.1% from the field. His defensive contributions stood out, with 0.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, helping the Wildcats advance deep into the postseason before falling in the semifinals. This season marked significant growth for the young forward, as he adapted to professional demands and built physicality on both ends of the court. The 2021–22 season represented Travers' breakout year, with expanded minutes as a full-time roster player, averaging 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 27 games. He showcased versatility as a 6-foot-6 wing, contributing 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, which bolstered Perth's perimeter defense during a regular-season finish that secured a playoff spot. Travers' development during this period included targeted preparation for the , where his athleticism and two-way potential drew scout attention. The Wildcats reached the semifinals, where Travers provided key bench production before their elimination. In his final season with the Wildcats in 2022–23, Travers assumed a leadership role among the younger players, starting 24 of 27 games and posting career highs of 9.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field. His progression was evident in improved playmaking and efficiency, helping guide the team through a competitive regular season that clinched a play-in berth. The Wildcats' playoff run ended with a loss to the Cairns Taipans in the play-in tournament, snapping their long-standing finals streak, but Travers' performance in the regular-season finale—22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists against the Sydney Kings—underscored his emergence as a core contributor. Over his four seasons with the , Travers appeared in 94 games, compiling career averages of 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His tenure solidified his reputation as a promising talent, culminating in his selection as the first Perth-born player ever drafted into the NBA by the in June 2022.

2022 NBA Draft and early NBA exposure

Travers was selected by the with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the , held on June 23, 2022, in , New York. As the first Perth-born player ever drafted into the NBA, his selection highlighted the growing pipeline of Australian talent to , following predecessors like and who had paved the way for international prospects from Down Under. Prior standout performances with the in the NBL, including his breakout 2021-22 season, had elevated his draft stock among NBA scouts. Following the draft, the Cavaliers retained Travers' NBA rights while allowing him to continue his development in the NBL, a common strategy for second-round picks to gain professional experience abroad. Travers opted to return to the for the 2022-23 NBL season, prioritizing consistent playing time over an immediate move to the U.S. to refine his skills against high-level competition. This decision was influenced by discussions with the Cavaliers' , who viewed the NBL as an ideal environment for his growth as a versatile wing. Travers made his initial NBA exposure in the 2022 in , suiting up for the Cavaliers from July 8-18, 2022. Over five games, he averaged 6.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 22.4 minutes per game, showcasing his defensive versatility and ability to impact both ends of the floor as a 6-foot-6 forward. Scouting reports praised his length, hustle, and multi-positional defense, though he showed room for improvement in offensive efficiency, drawing comparisons to a raw but promising international prospect. The draft selection significantly enhanced Travers' marketability, positioning him as a rising star in Australian basketball and attracting greater attention from sponsors and media. In the subsequent NBL seasons, it led to an expanded role with his teams, where he received more minutes and responsibilities, accelerating his maturation as a professional athlete.

Melbourne United period (2023–2024)

After departing the , Luke Travers signed a three-year contract with on April 17, 2023, aiming to further his development toward an NBA career. The deal was influenced by United's established history of preparing Australian players for the NBA, allowing Travers to join a competitive roster featuring veterans like and Jr. In the , Travers appeared in 36 games for , averaging 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 51% from the field. He demonstrated defensive versatility, using his length and timing for chase-down blocks and switches across positions, which complemented United's high-pressure scheme. Travers adapted to the team's faster-paced system by expanding his ball-handling responsibilities, occasionally handling duties in transition, and benefited from mentorship by seasoned teammates who emphasized professional routines and shot preparation for NBA scrutiny. Melbourne United finished the regular season with a 20–8 record, securing first place on the ladder and advancing to the as contenders. Travers contributed to their postseason run, which culminated in a finals appearance, though they fell 2–3 to the in the series. On August 6, 2024, mutually released Travers from the remaining two years of his contract, enabling him to pursue full-time NBA opportunities with the , who held his draft rights from 2022. This move aligned with his preparation for a potential , building on the skills honed during his United tenure.

Cleveland Cavaliers tenure (2024–present)

Following his release from in August 2024, Travers signed a with the on August 28, 2024, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate, the . Travers made his NBA debut on November 1, 2024, against the , entering as a substitute and contributing defensively in limited minutes during a Cavaliers victory. In the 2024–25 season, he appeared in 12 games for , averaging 1.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 7.3 minutes per game, often in short bursts due to the team's established depth at forward and guard positions. His role was primarily as a developmental player, focusing on energy and perimeter defense off the bench. In the G League with the Charge during 2024–25, Travers excelled in 16 games, posting averages of 15.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. He recorded four triple-doubles, including a standout performance on December 13, 2024, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists against the ; another on February 14, 2025, with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists against the ; and two more later in the season, including one on April 1, 2025. These efforts highlighted his all-around versatility and playmaking ability in a more prominent role. Travers suffered a right ankle in mid-December 2024, sidelining him for over a month at both NBA and G League levels until his return on , 2025. He resumed play with the Charge shortly after, contributing to his second triple-double of the calendar year and aiding the team's push in the G League standings. On July 1, 2025, the Cavaliers re-signed Travers to another , recognizing his growth and potential as a multi-positional defender. As of November 13, 2025, Travers had appeared in six games for during the 2025–26 season, averaging 1.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 7.8 minutes per game while shooting 12.5% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line. At media day on September 29, 2025, he emphasized his goals of leveraging versatility across positions and bolstering team defense to secure more consistent NBA minutes. As of November 13, 2025, Travers' overall NBA career totals with the Cavaliers stand at 18 games, with averages of 1.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 7.5 minutes per game, alongside shooting 18.0% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line on limited attempts. His tenure reflects steady progression as a two-way prospect, balancing limited NBA exposure with dominant G League contributions.

National team career

Youth international career

Travers' youth international career began in 2018 with his selection to the Australian under-16 national team for the FIBA U16 Asian Championship in , , where Australia claimed the for the first time since 2009. As a versatile wing, Travers averaged 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across five games, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Second Team. In the decisive victory over , he delivered 22 points and 8 rebounds, highlighting his emerging scoring and rebounding prowess in international play. That same year, Travers transitioned to the under-17 squad for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in , further solidifying his role as a key perimeter defender and facilitator. Over seven contests, he posted averages of 12.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, contributing to Australia's competitive showing while adapting to elevated defensive demands against global talent. These experiences marked his initial exposure to high-stakes international competition beyond Australian domestic leagues, refining his perimeter shooting and on-ball defense. In early 2019, Travers was named to Australia's training squad for the U19 World Cup in , underscoring his rapid ascent in the national youth program, though he did not feature in the final tournament roster. Complementing his international efforts, Travers represented at the 2018 Australian Under-18 National Championships, leading the team to a victory that ended a 17-year state drought and provided crucial preparation for global stages.

Senior international career

Travers received his first call-up to the Australian senior national team, the Boomers, in August 2022 for the fourth window of the 2023 qualifying campaign. He made his debut on August 25, 2022, in a 104-50 victory over , where he contributed significantly off the bench with strong defensive play and transition scoring. Travers also featured in the subsequent qualifier against on August 29, 2022, recording a career-high six blocks in the Boomers' win. Over these two qualifying games, Travers averaged 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a forward while helping maintain its undefeated record in the qualifiers. His early contributions highlighted the seamless transition from youth international success to senior level, where his athleticism and defensive instincts earned praise from coaches. Travers was not selected for the roster, as the team prioritized established NBA veterans and other NBL standouts amid Australia's bronze medal finish. Similarly, despite strong performances in the NBL and , he was overlooked for the Boomers' 2024 Paris Olympics squad, with selection focusing on players with prior international experience. Since joining the on a in 2024, Travers has balanced his NBA and G League obligations with limited Boomers involvement, attending off-season training camps but missing major tournaments due to scheduling conflicts and team priorities. As of November 2025, no further senior appearances have been recorded beyond the 2022 qualifiers, though he remains a developmental prospect for future cycles like the 2027 World Cup. His overall senior international statistics stand at 2 games played, with averages of 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Luke Travers maintains a close relationship with his parents, Karl and Sam Travers, who have provided unwavering support throughout his journey. Karl, a fly-in fly-out (FIFO) worker, and Sam were present for key milestones, including watching his NBA debut live from home in November 2024, with Sam describing the moment as a "dream come true" after speaking with him post-game. During the , Karl followed proceedings remotely from his worksite in Darwin, while Sam took the day off work to celebrate what she anticipated would be an emotional occasion. Their encouragement has been instrumental in Travers' perseverance, helping him navigate challenges like anxiety and the demands of professional while keeping as his emotional home base. Travers shares strong bonds with his siblings, including older brother Riley and sister Thyra, who remain connected despite his relocation to the United States. The family, originally from Rockingham, Western Australia, continues to serve as a support network, with Travers crediting their influence for instilling resilience and a grounded perspective amid his NBA pursuits. Extended family ties in Rockingham further anchor him, providing a sense of continuity and community during off-season returns to Australia. Travers has also received support from his girlfriend, who joined him in during the 2023–24 season. In addition to family, Travers has longstanding friendships from his youth that have evolved into adult relationships, notably with AFL player Luke Jackson, a high school classmate at Willetton Senior High School. The two, who represented together as juniors, stay in daily contact and reunite during visits home, with Travers making a surprise appearance in Jackson's Dockers locker room in June 2025. These connections highlight Travers' emphasis on personal relationships as a foundation for his professional life.

Off-court activities and interests

Travers maintains an active social media presence on Instagram under the handle @luketravers_, where he shares personal updates, training insights, and motivational content about his journey from Perth to the NBA. In his downtime, Travers enjoys gaming, particularly playing NBA 2K, and listening to a diverse range of music, including Afrobeats from artist Burna Boy and folk tunes by Noah Kahan. He frequently travels between his hometown in Rockingham, Australia, and Cleveland, Ohio, adapting to the demands of trans-Pacific life. In a March 2025 podcast interview, Travers opened up about his nerves, the challenges of adapting to the NBA lifestyle, and glimpses into his life off the court, including the role of family support in navigating and personal growth.

References

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