Age not a factor for Boomers coach Brian Goorjian as Paris selection battle heats up

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian says his decision making for Paris is an ‘open book’, declaring he’ll put age aside and pick the country’s strongest squad, as the race for spots heats up.

Matt Logue

@mattlogue7

3 min read

May 27, 2024 - 6:00AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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Boomers coach Brian Goorjian says his selection mindset heading into the Paris Olympics is an “open book”, declaring he’ll put age aside and pick the best players for a shot at the podium.

Goorjian faces his toughest task as national coach, with multiple positions in Australia’s final 12-man squad for the Games up for grabs.

One of the biggest selection decisions heading into Paris is the battle between rising guard Dyson Daniels and veteran Matthew Dellavedova.

The Boomers made the difficult decision not to select Dellavedova at last year’s World Cup, but the three-time Olympian has put his name back in the selection mix following a standout NBL season with Melbourne United.

Dellavedova turned back the clock to lead United to the grand final series against Tasmania – and while they lost in a thrilling series – the former NBA star only enhanced his Olympic chances.

Goorjian has previously declared that ‘Delly’ is right in the mix for Paris, opening the door for the much-loved guard to feature in his fourth Games in Paris.

■ Everyhting you need to know about Boomers in Paris

Matthew Dellavedova be on the plane to Paris? Picture: Getty Images

The other major selection headache for the Boomers is in the forward position, where the Australians are loaded. The likes of Joe Ingles, Xavier Cooks, Nick Kay and Jack White all in the mix for selection.

Goorjian could take at least three of these players to Paris, meaning one player could be the unlucky one to miss out.

The Boomers’ backup centre is also a fascinating battle. Jock Landale will be Australia’s starting centre in Paris, while Duop Reath is looming as the second option.

Goorjian could opt to select a third centre for the Games, with championship-winning Tasmania JackJumpers big man Will Magnay right in the frame.

Magnay can execute in the post - a trait that could help him earn selection in Paris.

Either way, Goorjian insists he’ll focus on form and fit over age when selecting his final 12-man roster for the Games.

“When it comes to the Olympics, I can’t be selecting someone because you’re old and young,” Goorjian said.

Will Magnay is in the mix for a Paris call up. Picture: Getty Images

“It might be you’ve moved to an age and you aren’t the type of player you once were – that is a different scenario – but as far as our group right now I’m not selecting on age or experience.

“There were some decisions made in the lead in to Tokyo were that was a part of the mindset, whereas now it’s not about opportunity.”

Goorjian believes the Boomers are in a “better” position than last year when they bombed out at the World Cup in Japan.

He has already made difficult decisions to move past veterans like Aron Baynes and insists he doesn’t feel compromised by the future and winning right now heading into Paris.

“It’s about blending the veterans with the new crop of stars,” Goorjian said.

“Ever Since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when it was very apparent that the likes of (Andrew) Gaze, (Mark) Bradtke and (Luc) Longley retired at the same time, there has been a conscious effort not be in that situation.

“Over the last four years there has been change in a couple of players moving on here and there and bringing some young ones in.

“We made the big moves heading into the World Cup and now that (age) isn’t in my mindset now. “A lot of that has been done and it’s more how are our guys playing in roles.”