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Boomers announce 2021 Olympics squad

A plethora of NBA names are set to represent Australia in Tokyo.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Philadelphia superstar Ben Simmons has been named in Australia's 24-man squad for the Olympics, with Sixers teammate Matisse Thybulle also named in Brian Goorjian's list for Tokyo.

Patty Mills, Aron Baynes, Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova, Ryan Broekhoff, Dante Exum, Thon Maker, Josh Green, Will Magnay add a wealth of NBA experience to the squad, with the Aussies hoping to improve on their disappointing finish at the Rio games.

Australia have been drawn into Group B of the tournament alongside Nigeria, with the two remaining spots still up for grabs through qualification matches.

"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," Mills and Ingles said in a joint statement, per ESPN

Simmons expressed his excitement to represent the Boomers despite the ongoing difficulties.

"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." Simmons said.

The Boomers are currently ranked third in the FIBA World Rankings, with Goorjian acknowledging the vast amount of flexibility the squad will bring to the Olympics.

"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," Goorjian said.

"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."

Australia's 24-man Tokyo Olympics squad: Deng Adel, Aron Baynes, Ryan Broekhoff, Xavier Cooks, Mitch Creek, Matthew Dellavedova, Danté Euxm, Josh Giddey, Chris Goulding, Josh Green, Isaac Humphries, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Jock Landale, Mitch McCarron, William McDowell-White, Will Magnay, Thon Maker, Patty Mills, Brock Motum, Mitch Norton, Duop Reath, Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle.

 

Published by
Mitch Keating