Boomer’s veteran, Patty Mills, will be crucial to Australia’s chances if they are to come away with a medal in this year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup.
(Photo: Aus Boomers Facebook)
Can the Boomers go all the way? It is the question on everyone’s mind. After announcing a very impressive squad for the World Cup, which boasts plenty of NBA (National Basketball Association) experience, it might be time for people to dare to dream.
The Australian Boomers first competed in the tournament back in 1970. Despite winning plenty of Commonwealth Games and Asia Cup gold medals, the FIBA Basketball World Cup has always been the one that got away for the Aussies.
They have endured some agonising results in recent times, missing the medal placings by the barest of margins. Their most recent failure coming in 2019 against France in a playoff for the bronze medal.
Something about this year feels different and with plenty of NBA experience in the Boomers’ squad, including veteran Patty Mills and young guns in Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels. When you add this to the potential for polarising figure, Ben Simmons to be available closer to the tournament, the Aussies look set to snap their run of disappointing losses.
Of their 18-man squad, the Boomers have 10 players that are currently in the NBA. Those who aren’t are either honing their craft in the NBL or in highly-skilled European leagues.
One of the NBA’s rising stars, Giddey said he was very excited for the opportunity to represent his country on the world stage.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Boomers and representing Australia, so to get this opportunity is really special and I’m looking forward to competing at the World Cup,” he said.
Josh Giddey has been performing well in the NBA for Oklahoma City Thunder.
(Photo: Aus Boomers Facebook)
From the outside, it seems as though the Boomers have a terrific blend of experience and youth, with highly experienced players in Joe Ingles and Mills, while there is an abundance of young guns coming through.
The Boomers have finished agonisingly close to medal territory dating back to their first tournament in 1970, however have failed to clinch one. For the more experienced players, a great result in this year’s World Cup would be the cherry on top for their careers, whereas the younger guys are hungry to start an Australian dynasty that will last long into the future.
With the draw coming out in recent weeks, things are looking up for the Aussies. The Boomers are currently ranked third in the world and will face Germany (rank 11), Finland (rank 24) and Japan (rank 36) when the tournament kicks off in late August.
Despite a favourable draw, Boomers’ coach, Brian Goorjian says that his side respected all opposition teams and couldn’t afford to take any team lightly.
“Japan in Japan is going to be tough, we played Germany and it was a line ball at the Olympic qualifications, Finland has played everyone tough over there and qualified, so there’s a respect for these teams,” he said.
Fans and players alike should be very excited for the opportunity that presents itself, heading into the tournament, the Aussies have arguably their greatestr chance in years to come home with a medal.
The Australian Boomers full squad for the World Cup in August is in the image below.
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