Paris Olympics 2024: Boomers’ cruel injury blow with Dyson Daniels facing six months out
The Boomers’ Paris plans have been dealt a brutal blow five months out from the Olympics - but it has opened the door for an Australian great to return.
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Boomers coach Brian Goorjian will give rising guard Dyson Daniels “every opportunity” to recover from his knee injury, but says the setback opens the door for three-time Olympian Matthew Dellavedova to play at the Paris Games.
Australia’s preparations for July’s Games copped a hit on Tuesday with confirmation Daniels had suffered a torn meniscus tear in his left knee.
The recovery time is between three to six months, leaving the Bendigo-born guard in a race against the clock to be fit for Paris.
The Boomers’ pre-Olympic camp in Melbourne starts in early July and will include multiple warm-up games.
Goorjian is prepared to give Daniels as much time as possible to recover from his knee injury, but he also needs to plan as cover.
The master mentor nominated Dellavedova as a player who will now firmly come into the mix for Olympic selection.
Goorjian has promised ‘Delly’ a camp position – with the chance to push for Paris – after the veteran impressed but missed out on last year’s World Cup squad.
“I’ve made it known where Delly sits in this and he is being watched closely,” Goorjian said about Dellavedova.
“He has worked tirelessly and I know he is going to be ready and present well at camp.
“We will give Dyson all the support and will do everything we can to get him healthy, but I also have to look at some of the names in that position.
“The Boomers are very talented in the guard position, so some of the players who have missed out in the past are elite international players.”
Goorjian will also keep a close eye on New Zealand Breakers guard Will McDowell-White.
He has long been a fan of McDowell-White, who was a member of the Australian side that won gold at the 2022 Asia Cup.
The Brisbane-born guard has also played World Cup qualifiers for the Boomers, while he was part of last year’s Cup squad before being cut.
“Will is 25 and very much a part of our future plans,” he said.
“He has had an NBL season with the Breakers marred by injury, but the last couple of games I’ve thought he has been really good.
“He was instrumental in shooting the ball from the perimeter and making plays and that is something to take note of.”
Daniels, meanwhile, will have to take the patient path to the Paris Olympics following his knee injury.
His NBA team – the New Orleans Pelicans confirmed the injury news on Tuesday morning, saying the Australian will be “evaluated to determine appropriate treatment options”.
Daniels is in the frame to represent Australia at his first Games following an impressive NBA season with the Pelicans.
He has been a key rotation player for New Orleans, averaging 21.9 minutes, 5.5 points and 1.4 steals a game (top 10 in NBA).
This consistent form has impressed Goorjian, who is keen to blood the 20-year-old in Paris.
He views Daniels – a lockdown defender and an improving shooter, as a key piece for Australia’s future on the international stage.
The proud Victorian played for the Boomers at last year’s World Cup in Japan, but only played 10 minutes in total across four games off the bench.
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Originally published as Paris Olympics 2024: Boomers’ cruel injury blow with Dyson Daniels facing six months out
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