Boomers want one thing — an Olympic medal, and a gold one at that

THE mighty USA men’s basketball team is seen by many as unbeatable — just don’t tell the Boomers that. They have their eyes on a Rio Olympics medal — and the colour of choice is gold.

(From L) France's small forward Mickael Gelabale, Australia's forward Aron Baynes, France's small forward Charles Kahudi, Australia's forward Cameron Bairstow and France's power forward Boris Diaw go for q rebound during a Men's round Group A basketball match between Australia and France at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 6, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. / AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON

THE Boomers have made the world take notice.

They are not in Brazil to make up the numbers — they are not in Rio just to win the team’s first ever Olympic medal. They are there to win it all.

It may seem unrealistic with the USA team looking unbeatable but Australia’s dominant win over a talented France team on Sunday showed just what Andrej Lemanis’ team is capable of.

The world’s fifth ranked team had no answer for the Boomers’ improved style of play with quick ball movement and tenacious defence showing what Australia’s true identity is.

And they will look to add another European powerhouse to their list of scalps to start the Olympics when they face star guard Milos Teodosic and Serbia tomorrow morning.

“The win against France was a great start for our Olympic campaign, obviously the result is pleasing but it is the progress the group showed and the diligence of their preparation in a challenging environment that is most pleasing,” assistant coach Mick Downer said.

Boomers assistant coach Mick Downer. Picture: John Gass

“We obviously have a long way to go in the tournament and we need to better on both sides of the ball. But in light of what felt like an interrupted preparation with some health concerns and injuries to players and having one of our practise games cancelled in Argentina it was great to see the on court chemistry developing.

“It’s a great team that has bought into a style of play and is diligent in their scouting and preparation for games.”

But Downer said Serbia pose a different challenge for the Boomers.

“Serbia are a tough challenge in the areas of their disciplined and methodical nature of play,” he said.

“We have some key areas identified that we must execute well throughout the whole 40 minutes and by doing this we will be in a great position to get the result we are after.”

Brisbane product Brock Motum said France was a tough task to start but it had prepared them for the rest of the tournament.

File photo: Brock Motum (of Australia) in action against Lithuania

“France game was a great opening test, they are a high level team with some great talent. It was a great win but it is only the first step to our goal,” he said.

“Tomorrow’s game against Serbia will be another step towards that and will be another tough game. We need to be ready for another tough and physical game and keep working towards our main goal.”

• The Boomers need to beat Serbia to finish in the top two of their pool with a match against the USA ahead on Thursday morning.