Ben Simmons named in strong 24-man Boomers squad for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics
The Boomers are a step closer to rocking the Olympics with Ben Simmons after he was included in a strong squad featuring 12 NBA stars.
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Ben Simmons has moved a step closer to his first Olympics for Australia after being named in a 24-man squad in preparation for this year’s Tokyo Games.
Simmons’ inclusion in a strong squad that features 12 NBA players is a major boost to the Boomers’ medal chances.
The Philadelphia 76ers star is excited about helping Australia claim a maiden men’s medal at Tokyo despite the NBA season potentially clashing with the Olympics, which begin a day after the NBA finals end on July 23.
“It would be an amazing honour to play for my country,” Simmons said.
“I know things are uncertain right now, but I’ve been in touch with coach Goorjian and we’re hopeful I can join the Boomers.”
Australian coach Brian Goorjian vowed to make Simmons his No. 1 priority and thus far he has delivered on his promise.
Goorjian said he had been in regular contact with the two-time NBA All-Star and had a good feeling about him donning the green and gold in Tokyo.
“(I see Ben playing) a huge role,” Goorjian said.
“He was just like the others and there wasn’t a whimper. It was I’m in, I’m looking forward to it and I want to be a part of this.
“It was as simple as that.
“Ben’s commitment and his excitement about the Boomers, so when I hung that phone up I felt real good.
“He is one of the best players in the world, and an added piece like Ben is huge to the chances of getting this gold medal – this dream of the whole group.”
Five players are receiving their first call to the senior men’s national team squad, including the newest Aussies in the NBA Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks), and Will Magnay (New Orleans Pelicans).
The Boomers squad also has nine NBL players, including Adelaide rookie sensation Josh Giddey and 36ers teammate Isaac Humphries.
Goorjian has left the door open to select Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton if he gains his Australian citizenship in the coming weeks.
The veteran mentor personally contacted Cotton to inform the two-time NBL MVP that he remains part of the Boomers’ plans.
“We obviously see him (Bryce) as a real talent and there is a squad of 25 that he would be on if he was an Australian citizen,“ Goorjian said.
“There are some decisions to be made if all that (citizenship) happens, but he would certainly be in the top 25 and that is what I told him.”
The Boomers look set for training camps in Las Vegas and San Francisco in the lead-up to the Tokyo Games.
Australia is ranked third in the world, and Goorjian declared his players, including NBA and Boomers stalwarts Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Matthew Dellavedova were aiming to achieve the highest honour in Tokyo.
“We have some guys that have been on this drive for a long time now, and this is their time to get that gold medal,” Goorjian said.
“Talking to Delly, Patty, Baynes and Joe – it is gold medal or nothing.”
The official 12-member Australian roster for the 2020 Tokyo Games will be announced by the Australia Olympic Committee later this year.
Australian Tokyo 2020 Olympic squad:
1 Deng Adel Hawks (NBL)
2 Aron Baynes Toronto Raptors (NBA)
3 Ryan Broekhoff NBA Free Agent
4 Xavier Cooks Sydney Kings (NBL)
5 Mitch Creek South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL)
6 Matthew Dellavedova Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
7 Dante Exum Houston Rockets (NBA)
8 Josh Giddey Adelaide 36ers (NBL)
9 Chris Goulding Melbourne United (NBL)
10 Josh Green Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
11 Isaac Humphries Adelaide 36ers (NBL)
12 Joe InglesUtah Jazz (NBA)
13 Nick Kay Real Betis (Spain)
14 Jock Landale Melbourne United (NBL)
15 Mitch McCarron Melbourne United (NBL)
16 Will McDowell-white Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League)
17 Will Magnay New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
18 Thon Maker NBA free agent
19 Patty Mills San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
20 Brock Motum Galatasaray (Turkey)
21 Mitch Norton Perth Wildcats (NBL)
22 Duop Reath Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
23 Ben Simmons Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
24 Matisse Thybulle Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
Coaching team:
Brian Goorjian head coach
Matthew Nielsen, Adam Caporn, David Patrick
Jacob Jackmans
Originally published as Ben Simmons named in strong 24-man Boomers squad for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics
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