Sunday, December 22, 2024

Boomers squad named as Goorjian’s high-profile omissions confirmed

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Brian Goorjian has announced his 12-man squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with several big-name omissions confirmed on Sunday morning.

Following Australia’s pair of warm-up games against China, Matisse Thybulle, Xavier Cooks, Chris Goulding, Dejan Vasiljevic and Jack White were all left out.

Thybulle was the biggest name left out after widely being considered one of the first names to be included in the squad, with his defence being the highlight of his game.

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Meanwhile, Dellavedova missed out on selection in the FIBA World Cup squad last year, but has earnt a recall for his fourth Olympic campaign.

Patty Mills and Joe Ingles are featuring in their fifth Olympic tournament, while Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Will Magnay and Jack McVeigh make their debuts.

Opals star Lauren Jackson will also feature in her fifth Olympic Games, headlining a squad ready to push for a medal in Paris.

Jackson, Mills and Ingles join basketball legend Andrew Gaze as the only Australians to feature in an Olympic squad five times.

Cayla George and Lauren Jackson of the Opals. Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“Our Olympic basketball teams provide such a great energy to the wider Australian Olympic Team and bring so much joy to millions of Aussie fans back home,” Chef de Mission Anna Meares said.

“These squads have a great mix of experience and youth, with leaders, legends and the next generation combining to give all three teams a great opportunity to go deep in the Paris 2024 tournaments.

“Congratulations to all 28 athletes selected today. I want to pay special tribute to Lauren, Patty and Joe for joining Andrew Gaze as basketball greats who will compete at five Olympic Games.

“To compete at such a high level for so long is an inspiration and we are grateful to see you proudly wear the green and gold in Paris.”

Giddey, having recently been traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Chicago Bulls, expleained he’s excited to represent his country.

“To make my debut in Paris is a childhood dream and I can’t wait to get on the court in front of my family and friends who have all made this journey possible for me,” Giddey said in a statement.

“To be part of the Boomers legacy, well it’s everything. We have a really great group, we know what we need to do and we are just ready to get into it.”

BOOMERS SQUAD

Josh Giddey

Dyson Daniels

Josh Green

Patty Mills

Danté Exum

Jock Landale

Duop Reath

Joe Ingles

Jack McVeigh

Will Magnay

Matthew Dellavedova

Nick Kay

Aussies will struggle to medal in Paris? | 03:20

OPALS SQUAD

Bec Allen

Isobel Borlase

Cayla George

Lauren Jackson

Tess Madgen

Ezi Magbegor

Jade Melbourne

Alanna Smith

Steph Talbot

Marianna Tolo

Kristy Wallace

Samathan Whitcomb

GANGURRUS SQUAD

Anneli Maley

Lauren Mansfield

Marena Whittle

Alex Wilson

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