The extended Boomers squad for this year's Basketball World Cup has been released, with one big omission.
Three time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has been snubbed from Brian Goorjian's 18-man list.
Despite missing the back end of the season with a recurrence of a back injury, Simmons' chances of making the squad for the tournament, held in Japan starting in August, were thought to have been high after Goorjian publicly endorsed the 26-year-old point guard.
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"I think [Ben's] mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape and getting ready to play in this [World Cup]," Goorjian told SEN radio last week.
"And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time. As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance [that he plays]."
But Goorjian has indicated the snubbing on Monday hasn't ended Simmons' chances of playing - he could still make the final 12-man team if he's declared fit.
Goorjian said the squad had "a good balance".
"The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I'm really pleased with where we've landed with the guys we've selected. There's a good balance across the court," Goorjian said.
"The fact it's been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now."
Australia is in Group E with Finland, Germany and hosts Japan. The Boomers' first game is against Finland on August 25.
Extended Boomers squad: Xavier Cooks, Dyson Daniels, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Sam Froling, Josh Giddey, Chris Goulding, Josh Green, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Jock Landale, Thon Maker, Will McDowell-White, Patty Mills, Keanu Pinder, Duop Reath, Matisse Thybulle, Jack White
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The extended Boomers squad for this year's Basketball World Cup has been released, with one big omission.
Three time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has been snubbed from Brian Goorjian's 18-man list.
Despite missing the back end of the season with a recurrence of a back injury, Simmons' chances of making the squad for the tournament, held in Japan starting in August, were thought to have been high after Goorjian publicly endorsed the 26-year-old point guard.
READ MORE: 'Horrendous' flaw that's derailed Roosters
READ MORE: 'Painful' Scott misses see win drought extended
READ MORE: Kerr injury scare hits Matildas on cusp of World Cup
"I think [Ben's] mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape and getting ready to play in this [World Cup]," Goorjian told SEN radio last week.
"And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time. As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance [that he plays]."
But Goorjian has indicated the snubbing on Monday hasn't ended Simmons' chances of playing - he could still make the final 12-man team if he's declared fit.
Goorjian said the squad had "a good balance".
"The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I'm really pleased with where we've landed with the guys we've selected. There's a good balance across the court," Goorjian said.
"The fact it's been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now."
Australia is in Group E with Finland, Germany and hosts Japan. The Boomers' first game is against Finland on August 25.
Extended Boomers squad: Xavier Cooks, Dyson Daniels, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Sam Froling, Josh Giddey, Chris Goulding, Josh Green, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Jock Landale, Thon Maker, Will McDowell-White, Patty Mills, Keanu Pinder, Duop Reath, Matisse Thybulle, Jack White
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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