Boomers trim World Cup squad

Monday, August 7, 2023

Three players have had their World Cup hopes come to an end.

Image courtesy of Basketball Australia

The Australian Boomers have named a 15-man squad that will face South Sudan, Venezuela and Brazil in a series of friendly games in Melbourne, before the FIBA World Cup later this month.

Three players were cut from the extended 18-man squad, with Sam Froling, Keanu Pinder and Thon Maker the unfortunate trio heading home.

The remaining 15 players will stay in Cairns where the team has been in camp for the past week, until Wednesday when they will travel to Melbourne for final preparations.

Head Coach Brian Goorjian indicated this was the toughest squad selection during his time in the role.

“This is an elite squad with so much talent, there is no easy way to make cuts, but the reality is that we only get to take 12 into Okinawa. Would I take all of these players if I could? Absolutely, but that’s the hardest part of sport, you have to make the cuts, we have to keep moving forward,” Goorjian said.

“I have the utmost respect for Sam, Thon and Keanu and their contribution here in Cairns - their work rate has been exceptional. On and off court they have demonstrated the highest level of professionalism. They are the best in the field for a reason and of course I’m disappointed that they can’t come through with us, but they all respect the process and came into the camp understanding what we are all here to achieve.”

Tickets for the Boomers vs The World series at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne are available here

Boomers World Cup extended squad
Xavier Cooks - Washington Wizards (NBA)
Dyson Daniels - New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
Matthew Dellavedova - Melbourne United
Dante Exum - Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
Josh Giddey - OKC Thunder (NBA)
Chris Goulding - Melbourne United
Josh Green - Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
Joe Ingles - Orlando Magic (NBA)
Nick Kay - Shimane Susanoo Magic (Japan)
Jock Landale - Houston Rockets (NBA)
Will McDowell-White - New Zealand Breakers
Patty Mills - Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
Duop Reath - Free Agent
Matisse Thybulle - Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)
Jack White - OKC Thunder (NBA)