NBL21 Stars Named in Boomers Olympic Squad

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Nine NBL21 stars have been named in an Australian Boomers squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games alongside NBA stars including Ben Simmons, Joe Ingles, Patty Mills and Matisse Thybulle.

The NBL is well represented with 18 year-old Next Star Josh Giddey, Deng Adel, Xavier Cooks, Mitch Creek, Chris Goulding, Isaac Humphries, Jock Landale, Mitch McCarron and Mitch Norton named in head coach Brian Goorjian's squad.

The likes of Nick Kay (formerly Perth Wildcats) and Will Magnay (formerly Brisbane Bullets) have also been included.

Basketball Australia have named a squad of 24 in total, with a final roter of 12 to be named later this year.

Hawks and Boomers head coach Goorjian spoke to the strength of the squad.

“It is a well- balanced squad selected by position with a nice blend of experience coupled with a lot of new and exciting players coming through.

“These are our top 24 available players and included is significant representation from the NBL, showing the strength of our local league where the standard of competition is recognised worldwide.

“I have spoken to each player over the past fortnight and have been extremely impressed, to a man, by their overwhelming desire to play for Australia in Tokyo.”

Notably recently retired big man Andrew Bogut is not in the squad, which Goorjian also spoke to.

“My last experience with the Boomers was at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 when Andrew Bogut was part of the team and it is amazing how strong the green and gold culture has grown in importance to the players since then,” explained Goorjian.

“Even though we will miss not having Andrew suit up; the way he played; the kind of teammate he was; the leader he became; and his passion for the green and gold has had a profound influence on the development of the Boomers culture.

“Although Andrew is irreplaceable as a player, he has certainly left his mark and will be an important sounding board for the group and for me, as we make this journey to win Australia’s first medal.”

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics would be the fourth Games for both Patty Mills and Joe Ingles whom in a joint statement have said: “We are both excited to again be named in the Australian Boomers squad and we are determined to lead this group of both veteran experience and exciting younger talent to an elusive Olympic Medal”.

Upon being named in this Squad, Ben Simmons said: “It would be an amazing honour to play for my country. I know things are uncertain right now but I’ve been in touch with Coach Goorjian and we’re hopeful I can join the Boomers.”

Australian Men's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Squad

Deng Adel - Hawks (NBL)

Aron Baynes - Toronto Raptors (NBA)

Ryan Broekhoff - Free Agent

Xavier Cooks - Sydney Kings (NBL)

Mitch Creek - South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL)

Matthew Dellavedova - Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

Dante Exum - Houston Rockets (NBA)

Josh Giddey - Adelaide 36ers (NBL)

Chris Goulding - Melbourne United (NBL)

Josh Green - Dallas Mavericks (NBA)

Isaac Humphries - Adelaide 36ers (NBL)