No Simmons for now: Boomers squad released
(Photo: All-Pro Reels)
Ben Simmons has been left out of the Australian Boomers’ extended squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Head Coach Brian Goorjian who recently said on SEN Radio that Simmons was keen to represent the green and gold has left him out of the initial squad, with plans in place to add him at a later date if he is healthy and committed.
The 18-man squad included 10 of the 11 Australians playing in the NBA, with Simmons being the one not present.
Boomers staples Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Matthew Dellavedova are named in the squad. While big man Aron Baynes, who has been a part of the team’s core for the past decade has not been named after his comeback season with the Brisbane Bullets.
Missing out will also be South-East Melbourne Phoenix star Mitch Creek, who came third in the NBL’s MVP award last season, as well as Nathan Sobey who was a part of the historic bronze medal victory at the 2021 Olympics.
Assistant coaches Matthew Nielson, Adam Caporn and David Patrick will return, with Jacob Chance coming into the group as the team’s Head of Video and Analysis.
The 2023 World Cup will take place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, with the tournament running from August 25th to September 10th.
Australian Boomers 18-man extended squad:
- Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings/Washington Wizards)
- Matthew Dellavedova (Sacramento Kings)
- Dante Exum (Partizan Belgrade)
- Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks/Levanga Hokkaido)
- Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Chris Goulding (Melbourne United/Paris)
- Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks)
- Joe Ingles (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic)
- Jock Landale (Phoenix Suns)
- Thon Maker (Fujian Sturgeons)
- Will McDowell-White (New Zealand Breakers)
- Patty Mills (Brooklyn Nets)
- Keanu Pinder (Perth Wildcats/Cairns Taipans/Fuenlabrada)
- Duop Reath (Qingdao Eagles/Al Riyadi Beirut)
- Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trailblazers)
- Jack White (Denver Nuggets/Grand Rapids Gold)