Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has hinted at extra roster upheaval forward of the Paris Olympics.
The Australian mentor says he “likes what’s in front of him” however a failed basketball World Cup marketing campaign proved the squad was now a step behind the main nations.
The world No.3 misplaced 91-80 to Slovenia on Friday in Japan in what was a must-win, second-round fixture.
They’ll play Georgia on Sunday however will not progress to the quarter-finals in a bitter blow for a aspect that entered with golden ambitions and a report 9 NBA gamers on the roster.
Point guard Josh Giddey had a game-high 25 factors to go along with eight rebounds and 4 assists.
Australia managed to plunge celebrity Luka Doncic into early foul bother and prohibit him to only 20 factors.
But some shaky offence and an lack of ability to protect Doncic’s lesser-known teammates bit the Tokyo bronze medallists, who acquired inside two factors earlier than a 15-2 final-quarter run killed them off.
Giddey impressed in his main event debut as did Josh Green, whereas fellow 20-year-old Dyson Daniels sat on the tip of the bench in a new-look Boomers outfit.
Goorjian did not choose veteran centre Aron Baynes in his prolonged squad, then reduce inspirational playmaker Matthew Dellavedova forward of the event in what he acknowledged was a altering of the guard.
Patty Mills (17 factors, eight rebounds) and Joe Ingles, each 35, remained on the core of operations.
Ingles took simply three photographs in a scoreless night time towards Slovenia whereas Goorjian additionally leant closely on Nick Kay and used Jack White sparingly.
Veteran shooter Chris Goulding barely left the bench all event, regardless of the aspect’s lack of scoring punch hurting them.
Dante Exum, Duop Reath and Xavier Cooks have been handed extra accountability and had their moments, whereas Matisse Thybulle wasn’t capable of replicate his good Tokyo marketing campaign.
Jock Landale (ankle) was a last-minute casualty however the established NBA centre will likely be pivotal in Paris subsequent yr.
And fit-again NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has once more teased of his curiosity in rejoining the nationwide program.
“The youth of this thing is for real,” Goorjian mentioned.
“We’re altering types of play.
“We’ve made some strikes coming into this; the Delly, the Baynes (non-selections).
“I really like Daniels; that’s another piece, then Jock to add to this.
“Some massive choices are forward however I like what’s in entrance of me.”
Australia stormed into the semi-finals at the previous World Cup before giving up big leads in two consecutive games to miss the medals.
They clinched Olympic bronze in Tokyo in 2021 and at least secured 2024 Games qualification by finishing ahead of New Zealand in a World Cup silver lining.
“Under strain, who you’re comes out and we’re a step off it proper now,” Goorjian mentioned.
“It begins now, our preparation for the Olympics.
“We’re all disappointed, but I’m excited about where this thing can go and have a clearer picture after this tournament.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
