Josh Giddey claimed he will “definitely” put his hand up to play for Australia at the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star continues to build a reputation as one of the NBA’s best young talents after helping the baby-faced side qualify for the play-in tournament.
Who will win it all? Watch the NBA Playoffs and every game of the NBA Finals LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
But he’ll now get the chance to prove his worth on the international stage as the world’s best basketballers travel to Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines for the FIBA World Cup in August.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Boomers,” Giddey told SEN Breakfast.
“I’ve had a couple of brief stints playing for Australia with the juniors or with the senior team a couple of years back.
“Now I think Australian talent is as good as it’s ever been. This World Cup is going to be probably the most real chance we’ve ever had to win a gold medal.
“I’ll definitely be there, and I’m really excited for it.”
MORE COVERAGE
Stunning LeBron reality in Lakers’ terrifying title warning as injury rocks NBA contenders
Playoffs Wrap: Star explodes in dream end to 17-year playoff drought; big upset in series opener
‘Delly almost died’: Hilarious reveal on Aussie NBA legend’s iconic Steph showdown
Giddey’s desire to represent his nation comes just days after he opened up on his frustrations at not making the Boomers squad for the Tokyo Olympics, where they achieved a bronze medal finish.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play for my country on the biggest stage, and I think missing out on the Olympic team two years or last year was obviously tough,” Giddey said.
“I wanted to be there with them. To see them win their first medal ever for Australian basketball was a great moment.”
With the inclusion of Giddey into the Boomers squad, it strengthens what is already an incredibly talented and deep team.
Led by Patty Mills, the Aussies won the hearts of the nation at the Olympics when they emerged with the bronze medal thanks to a 107-93 win over Slovenia in the play-off match.
And it’s hard to see the core of the Olympic squad being displaced for the World Cup.
That means Giddey will almost certainly line up alongside Mills, Joe Ingles, Jock Landale, Josh Green and Nick Kay, with Dyson Daniels to be on the bench.
Matisse Thybulle is also a heavy favourite to be included, but the 26-year-old himself admitted he faces an uncertain World Cup future due to his contract situation as he is now a free agent.
“My plan is to play with the Boomers, but I don’t know how the summer is going to go with contracts and how the timing works,” Thybulle told CODE Sports in January.
“If everything allows for it, then definitely the plan is to play in the World Cup.”
Australia is yet to win a medal at the FIBA World Cup but Brian Goorjian’s side are coming off their best finish yet with a semi-final appearance at the 2019 edition of the tournament.
With the added experience of Tokyo in the back pocket and the rise of Giddey as a budding star in the NBA, Goorjian and his troops will hope to bring back some extra luggage in September.
