Boomers “huge priority” for NBA star

Friday, July 28, 2023

"Every time I am able to wear the green and gold, I think it is one of those opportunities that is hard to pass up"

Dallas Mavericks youngster Josh Green has declared representing the Australian Boomers is a “huge priority” for him.

Sydney-born Green was a member of the historic bronze medal winning Boomers team at the Tokyo Olympics and is preparing to enter camp with the national team ahead of August’s World Cup.

The 22-year-old has played three years with the Mavericks, gaining a bigger role and becoming more productive with each campaign. Despite his rising NBA status, Green has pledged his commitment to the national team, reflecting on memories of watching Australia growing up.

“It is a huge priority. Every time I am able to wear the green and gold, I think it is one of those opportunities that is hard to pass up,” Green told SEN.

“Growing up, I played as many sports as I could, but whenever I saw an Australian team like the Socceroos and Tim Cahill, and all these amazing things, and even the other day I went to the Wallabies game and I saw them play against Argentina, and to think I am able to wear the green and gold just like they were on the field is a super cool feeling. I want to be able to continue that.”

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Green added the celebrated Boomers culture is also a factor in his enjoyment playing for the country.

“It is also the family side of it. I really feel like our team is a family and it is a sense of relief to be able to have that in the off-season. It is a group of guys that have the best interests,” he said.

Australia will begin its camp next week in Cairns, as coach Brian Goorjian is tasked with selecting a 12-man roster to take to the World Cup.

While some predict Green as a certainty to make the final team, he isn’t placing any expectation on himself heading in.

“I want to go in there, be able to compete, and work for a spot myself,” Green said.

“It is such an open pool and there’s a lot of great guys, and I am looking forward to having a high level of competition.

“Whatever the role is, whatever they want me to do, I am looking forward to it.”

The World Cup begins on August 25.