The 2014 version of the Australian Boomers are probably the most talented in the nation’s basketball history, but success at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be dependent upon the health of star Andrew Bogut.
Australia can theoretically role out a roster in Spain featuring five NBA players and a handful of highly talented prospects and international stars. Currently not on the team, Bogut is the centrepiece yet to commit and says his overall health will dictate his answer.
Likely to join Group D competition against Angola, Mexico, Slovenia, Lithuania and Korea are Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs), Aaron Baynes (San Antonio Spurs), Matthew Dellavedova (Cleveland Cavaliers) and incoming prospect Dante Exum, projected to go as a top five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Throw in future elite NBA prospect Ben Simmons, currently tearing up the US high school basketball scene, and NBA-level wing Joe Ingles and the squad is something to get excited about.
But Bogut is the piece that turns Australia from a promising team to a contender in a strong Group D and his experience and presence inside will be necessary for Australia to some damage in Spain.
Bogut missed the opening series playoff loss his Golden State Warriors suffered at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers and believes the 2016 Olympics in Brazil may represent a more realistic goal.
“I haven’t made a 100 per cent decision yet on playing (at the World Cup) but I will by the end of the month,” Bogut said this week.
“It is probably unlikely, but we (the Boomers) have a solid core of guys and while I’m getting up there in age, the younger guys such as Dante Exum and Ben Simmons are exciting prospects coming up.
“They bring pace, youth and athleticism and provided my body holds up, 2016 is my goal.”
The Boomers face a tough Group D where Slovenia and Phoenix Suns star Goran Dragic and the usually strong and highly talented Lithuania loom.
Australia kick off their World Cup run against Slovenia on Saturday, August 3 in Gran Canaria.
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