There is not so much write up being rolled out in the press regarding Australia’s chances in the forthcoming WC basketball tourney.
There’s a strong feeling that the hoopsters from Down Under are serious about beating the opposition and rule the Manila tournament.
At lest 10 of the 12 in its roster are all NBAers, even if Ben Simmons is reportedly out of the line-up.
Headcoach Brian Goorijian (of the Bay Area Dragons) gave the top favorites a run for the money in the Tokyo Olympics to bag the bronze medal.
The Boomers have guards Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Joe Ingles, Chris Goulding, centers Duop Reath, Jock Landale, forwards Nick Kay, Xavier Cooks, Jack White and Will McDowell.
Not only that they have ample NBA experience but they are also familiar with international basketball with a very capable and talented mentor in Goorijian.
Of course, this is just a personal opinion.
Australia is ranked number three behind Spain and the United States.
Because the NBA remains the yardstick for basketball excellence, the Americans are always the sentimental favorites to win the joust.
You know, not until the arrival of the Gasol brothers – Pau and Marc – did Spain become an intimidating contender in the European, world championships and the Olympics.
Probably you can say the shoe is now on the other foot.
The Gasol brothers are retired.
Meantime, under new coach Steve Kerr, the US squad maybe in “better” hands as Greg Popovich hands the baton to a younger strategist.
All 12 members of the US team do not have any international experience and this could affect their performance.
Kerr should have picked four senior members who have banged bodies against the rest of the world.
Anyway, this just goes to show that USBA officials don’t mind losing the crown in the WC for as long as they keep the Olympic title.
But really, if the rankings were to be religiously believed and lived up to, Spain and the US might end up playing for the WC title.
Of course, that is where Goorijian and his Boomers will come in.
They are going to gatecrash the party and spoil it.(Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
