Boomers coach vows to carry on until Paris Olympics

September 4, 2023 1:27 pm.by Staff Writer

Ben Simmons has vowed to play for the Boomers at the 2024 Olympics — Will he? Or wont he? Boomers fans are again set to be teased about the possibility of Ben Simmons playing at the Paris Olympics next year.

Brian Goorjian has emphatically announced his commitment to lead the Boomers in their quest for a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Following an unsatisfying FIBA World Cup campaign, which concluded on a positive note with a 100-84 victory against Georgia, Goorjian spoke candidly about his future plans.

Defending the team’s potential, he stated, “I have full faith in the roster,” responding to naysayers after his team’s World Cup’s end.

Although he had only been confirmed as head coach until this year’s World Cup, Goorjian confirmed, “I’ll be preparing for that [the Olympics] for certain,” with Boomers stalwart Joe Ingles playfully adding, “He better.”

However, Goorjian’s coaching journey hit a bump when the East Asia League disbanded the Bay Area Dragons, his former Hong Kong-based team. Expressing his surprise at the team’s dissolution, Goorjian saw a positive, telling media, “I can spend some time now watching NBL games, watching NBA games and have a total focus on this last shot.”

While the Boomers’ final World Cup match may not have impacted standings, it gave Goorjian insights into the team’s potential.

“I do think we had a chance to medal (at the World Cup)… but I also knew with change, inexperience, and style of play – it was going to take some time,” he said.

The veteran coach’s observations from the World Cup have shaped his vision for the team’s identity.

“We are going to be a pressing team, a running team, and we’re athletic,” Goorjian said.

Highlighting the Boomers’ performance, Patty Mills showcased his crucial role in the team with a 19-point performance against Georgia. Despite the World Cup’s outcome, Mills remains optimistic about Paris 2024, stating,

“The big picture here doesn’t change for us, it’s the gold medal,” he said.

The Boomers’ World Cup was effectively finished on Friday night, when they lost to the Luka Doncic inspired Slovenia 91-80, with their lack of offensive cohesion and a top-line big man very evident.

They are likely to make several changes to the Boomers’ squad for Paris, with Jock Landale almost certain to bolster their big man department, while NBA star Ben Simmons has said he wants to play, but fans will not be holding their breath given his reluctance in the past. The Boomers are also hopeful NBL star Bryce Cotton will eligible with the the US-born point guard applying for Australian citizenship.

Australian online bookmakers are yet to release odds for the Paris Olympics basketball event.

More sports news