NBA Pair Set to Headline Boomers World Cup Squad?

It may have been largely NBL-contracted personnel who led Australia’s FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign, but come the tournament proper it looks like the Boomers will be breaking out the big guns.

Oklahoma City guard and former Adelaide 36er Josh Giddey has reaffirmed his commitment to represent his country at the World Cup – to be held in the Philippines – later this year.

Giddey’s Thunder side has now been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs after their Play-In loss to Minnesota.

“As a young kid – especially being an Australian – you grow up as a basketball player wanting to be a part of the green and gold at a World Cup or an Olympic Games, and I was no different,” Giddey said on SEN.

“I would have been, I think, 12 years old and it (the Olympics) was in London, and I remember taking days off school to sit there and watch those games. I’ve always dreamt of playing for the Boomers.

“Now I think Australian talent is as good as it’s ever been so this World Cup is probably going to be the most real chance we’ve had to win a gold medal. I’ll definitely be there and I’m very excited for it.”

Josh Giddey representing the Boomers in a 2021 FIBA World Cup qualifying match against Hong Kong.

With the 2023-2024 NBA season not starting until October, there will be plenty of other NBA talent available for the Boomers to select for the tournament – with plenty of those names having played in the NBL before heading to the Unites States.

Former Melbourne United trio Matthew Dellavedova Jack White and Jock Landale, ex-Melbourne Tiger Patty Mills and South Dragons championship winner Joe Ingles headline the group, while newly minted Washington Wizard Xavier Cooks now also falls into the prestigious group.

After winning his second straight championship with the Sydney Kings, Cooks headed to Washington to round out the NBA season with 10 appearances, one of which was a start.

“Hopefully we can play together in the green and gold this summer,” Giddey said of Cooks.

“He came in as an older rookie, but it’s obviously been a dream of his to play in the NBA and I was super happy for him – and he’s back there next year.

“Xav was able to come in and make an immediate impact.

“He’s a great guy who deserves what he’s getting right now.”