Ben Simmons declared last week he wanted to play for Australia again but the NBA star wasn’t included in an 18-man extended squad named on Monday.
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian included 10 NBA players in the star-studded line-up which will be reduced to 12 players for the World Cup in September.
But Simmons, who is currently rehabilitating a back injury, wasn’t named in the group Goorjian said was “extremely tough” to select.
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“Pulling together this extended squad has taken time – it’s been a thorough process. The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I’m really pleased with where we’ve landed with the guys we’ve selected, there’s a good balance across the court,” Goorjian said.
“The fact it’s been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now and this extends back to all the pathway programs, the Centre of Excellence and the dedicated coaches who have been committed to growing our game, setting the standard, and getting us to this position.
“After the draw took place around a week ago and we know who and where we’re playing, we’re excited and eager to get stuck in and prepare for what will be an extremely challenging tournament.”
Of course, Simmons could still be added to the group on a later date but for now the wait for his return to the Boomers remains.
Rising NBA star Josh Giddey was a key selection in the group which included NBA veterans Patty Mills and Joe Ingles as well as young guns Jock Landale and Dyson Daniels.
Giddey just finished a stunning second year with Oklahoma City in the NBA, averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists, while point guard Daniels, who was taken at pick 8 in the NBA draft last year, just finished his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The extended squad will take part in a training camp in Cairns in the lead up to the World Cup, before the final roster of 12 is named ahead of the team’s opening game in Japan on August 25.
Giddey was excited to join the Boomers squad having missed out on the Tokyo Olympics where the Aussies captured a historic bronze medal.
“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,” Giddey said.
“There’s a lot of talent in this squad and I think we’ve got a good chance of matching it with every team – I’m excited for the challenge and to see what we can produce as a group on the world stage.”
The 2023 FIBA World Cup runs from 25 August to 10 September and for the first time, will be co-hosted between three nations – The Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
Australian Boomers extended 18-man squad:
Xavier Cooks, Dyson Daniels, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Sam Froling, Josh Giddey, Chris Goulding, Josh Green, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Jock Landale, Thon Maker, Will McDowell-White, Patty Mills, Keanu Pinder, Duop Reath, Matisse Thybulle, Jack White
