No nerves for veteran Goulding

Melbourne United star Chris Goulding is taking a relaxed approach into the upcoming Australian Boomers camps that will determine whether the 35-year-old will make his third Olympic appearance later this year. 

Goulding is one of seven NBL players to be named in the 17-man Boomers squad that will enter camp and exhibition games over the coming weeks, with coach Brian Goorjian tasked with the envious task of trimming the final roster to 12. 

While he will no doubt be putting his best foot forward, Goulding won’t be feeling any immense pressure when he pulls on the green and gold in the coming weeks.

“I’m not nervous anymore. I’ve been around the program long enough that the coaches and everyone know what I can bring to the team,” Goulding told AAP.

“I feel confident in the fact that if I go in there in shape and put my best foot forward, if they feel they need that for the team, well then I’ll be fine. If something changes and team make-up is going in a different direction, well then so be it.” 

Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian says that Matthew Dellavedova is a strong chance to earn his spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics 🇫🇷

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Goulding is coming off yet another spectacular NBL season, being named in the All-NBL First Team and leading United to a top place finish on the ladder at the end of the regular season.

The 17-man Boomers squad consists of Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Dyson Daniels, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Josh Giddey, Josh Green, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Jock Landale, Will Magnay, Jack McVeigh, Patty Mills, Duop Reath, Matisse Thybulle, Dejan Vasiljevic and Jack White.

Ahead of the Olympics, Australia will enter a training camp before facing China on July 2 and 4 at John Cain Arena, and then travelling to Abu Dhabi to play the USA on July 15 and Serbia on July 16.

The Olympic campaign for the Boomers begins on July 27.