Vickerman: 'Goulding first in line for Boomers'

‘Stay ready’. That’s the message from Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman for his star man Chris Goulding.

Goulding missed the final 12-man squad for the Australian Boomers’ Olympic campaign, despite having arguably his best NBL season in a long time, as well as showing impressive form in recent games against China. 

At 35, Goulding isn’t going to get many more opportunities to play for his country, but Vickerman believes his Olympic hopes aren’t over just yet.

“There’s still four or five games left in (the Boomers’) preparation and, if a guard went down, CG has to be the first person called,” Vickerman told Code Sports.

“He’s going to make sure he keeps himself in the right situation if anything happens.”

Several players have earned late call-ups in previous campaigns, with David Barlow added to the World Cup squad in 2019 and Jack White in 2023.

Goulding had an outstanding NBL24 season, averaging 16.9 points a game, while shooting at 40 per cent from the three-point line.

He played a key role in United finishing the regular season on top of the ladder, before falling agonisingly short against Tasmania in the Championship Series.

Australia will take on Team USA and Serbia in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. 

Read the full story here >> Olympic glimmer remains for Chris Goulding as NBA boom awaits Matthew Dellavedova