Froling the Future of Boomers?

After releasing the 18 players selected in the extended Boomers squad, national team head coach Brian Goorjian mentioned that “opportunity knocks for the next man coming”.

With the absence of seasoned campaigner Aron Baynes, and the inclusion of 23-year-old centre and Illawarra co-captain Sam Froling, it could easily be inferred that Froling is that next man.

Froling and Goorjian’s relationship spans further than recent Boomers camps though. The pair worked together at the Hawks for two seasons and helped lead the side to back-to-back semi-finals appearances.

Former assistant to Goorjian and current Illawarra head coach Jacob Jackomas believes the fact that Goorjian is at the helm is a good sign for Froling.

“They have probably earmarked Sam as the future in the Boomers, which is great,” Jackomas told the Illawarra Mercury. “It’s also great that he’s getting rewarded for his individual success on the floor.

“Sam should be comfortable in camp because Brian is there.

“His talent got him there, but now maybe a little bit of comfortability as well will help him through camp and give him a chance to make the team.”

Froling is one of a number of high-profile names to make up the frontcourt depth in the squad and, such is the strength of the Boomers group, even Xavier Cooks is far from assured a place in the final 12 players.

Cooks and Froling will be competing with the likes of Perth’s Keanu Pinder, former Melbourne pair Jock Landale and Jack White, and two-time NBL champion Nick Kay at the power forward and centre positions.

“It’s going to be good to catch up with those guys with the Boomers,” Cooks said. “It’s always great to compete with those boys. That team is always good to be around.

“The connection those guys have is always awesome.

“I’m not sure if I’m going to make the squad or not, but I’m putting my hand up and excited for the opportunity.”

The Boomers will attend a training camp in Cairns ahead of the FIBA World Cup, which begins in late August.