Ben Simmons’ decade lengthy absence from the Australian staff will proceed after he dominated out becoming a member of the Boomers squad for the FIBA World Cup.
National coach Brian Goorjian didn’t identify Simmons in his squad however left the door open as he continued his rehabilitation from a again damage which reduce his 2022-23 NBA season with the Brooklyn Nets quick.
The 26-year-old NBA All Star hasn’t performed for the Australian nationwide staff for the reason that 2013 FIBA Oceania Championships however had signalled his want to try to get himself prepared.
A report from Nets Daily mentioned Simmons and the Nets got here to a joint resolution that he would focus his energies on preparing for the upcoming NBA season.
Basketball Australia then confirmed the news.
“Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets have advised Basketball Australia that Ben is unavailable for the World Cup,” an announcement mentioned.
“Ben needs more time to focus on his rehab and he looks forward to being part of the Boomers in the future.
“We wish Ben all the best in his recovery.”
Simmons had given earlier commitments to play for the Boomers at each the 2019 World Cup and 2021 Tokyo Olympics, however was a late withdrawal each instances.
In holding out hope earlier this month that Simmons would be a part of his squad, Goorjian labelled the NB A star “that little spice that you add” to the staff.
But he was by no means counting on Simmons linking up with the Boomers.
“We‘re building a foundation and a process moving forward and if he comes, that’s a nice addition to it,” he mentioned.
“If not, we‘re good to go.”
Simmons could yet target joining the Boomers for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and has previously said he was keen on joining the national team in the future.
“I’m at present rehabilitating my again damage and placing my full effort and focus in the direction of that,” Simmons mentioned earlier this yr.
“I love what coach Goorjian is building with the Boomers and I look forward to being a part of the program in the future.”
The Boomers, coming off a bronze medal on the Tokyo Olympics, had been drawn into Group E for the World Cup, alongside Germany, Finland, and Japan.
The Boomers will play their first two group phases in Okinawa, Japan, earlier than travelling to Manila, Philippines for the finals, ought to they qualify.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
