Rising star Rocco Zikarsky one of five players cut as Boomers lock in revised squad ahead of Paris
Coach Brian Goorjian has opted for a familiar Boomers line-up ahead of training camp as a revised 17-man squad is named for Paris, despite suggestions that he should look to the future.
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Rising Australian big man Rocco Zikarsky was one of five players cut from the Boomers’ Olympic roster on Thursday – as coach Brian Goorjian announced a revised 17-man squad for training camp ahead of the Paris Games.
Respected voices, including Boomers great Andrew Bogut, had pushed for 17-year-old Zikarsky to make his Games debut in France to prepare for the future.
However, Goorjian has opted to go in another direction, cutting Brisbane’s NBL Next Star from Australia’s Olympic squad alongside Will McDowell-White, Keanu Pinder, Sam Froling and fellow emerging star Johnny Furphy.
On the plus side, Code Sports understands Zikarsky looks set to be chosen in an emerging Boomers team to play Japan in June. He is also in the mix to join other developing players to be around the Olympic squad during warm-up games in Melbourne for experience purposes.
It leaves a potent mix of familiar faces and an exciting wave of young talent in the 17-man squad that will report to training camp in late June.
Bronze medal heroes Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova, Nick Kay and Chris Goulding are in the revised squad and will have the opportunity to contribute to a new-look Boomers side.
Also named is the next wave, OKC Thunder star Josh Giddey and Dallas Maverick’s Dante Exum and Josh Green – who are currently locked in a battle against each other in the NBA playoffs.
A healthy Jock Landale returns and will add leadership and physicality to a front court alongside Duop Reath, Jack White and Xavier Cooks.
Dyson Daniels and Matisse Thybulle will provide versatility, length and athleticism to the wing position.
Goorjian is emphasising the importance of getting the vibe right heading into Paris, especially with the Boomers facing imposing group stage opponents in Canada and either Spain, Greece or Slovenia.
“The standard of the tournament is going to be at an all-time high and we’re excited with the group that we’ve put together,” Goorjian said.
“It’s a special group and an exciting time for basketball and the country. We will get the guys together and get the energy right.”
Why Boomers coach Brian Goorjian will hand the keys 🔑 to @joshgiddey to run the team at this year’s Paris Olympics.
— Matt Logue (@mattlogue7) May 7, 2024
READ: @codebballau ðŸ€ðŸ‘‡https://t.co/2PY5P2uZn6pic.twitter.com/Dn61L54CkJ
Championship-winning Tasmania JackJumpers duo Will Magnay and Jack McVeigh will be reporting for Boomers camp. Magnay brings physical defensive strength while McVeigh is a shooter with range.
Adelaide 36ers sharpshooter DJ Vasiljevic has also been included after starring in the NBL and FIBA 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers in early 2024.
Goorjian emphasised the importance of the Boomers maximising the squad’s extensive experience from across the basketball globe.
“The level of talent that the country is producing is at a new level,” he said.
“We’ve got guys competing against the best in leagues around the world and the NBL continues to advance as a world class level for Australian talent.
“We won’t over-complicate things here. We’ve got an exciting group of players that all present unique strengths and advantages. Our goal is to maximise that.”
All Boomers players will report to camp in late June before the first hit out in the series against China from 2 – 5 July.
From there, the final twelve will be selected and travel to Abu Dhabi for the USA Basketball Showcase with games against the USA on 15 July and Serbia on 16 July.
REVISED BOOMERS 17-MAN ROSTER:
Xavier Cooks, Jock Landale, Dyson Daniels, Will Magnay, Matthew Dellavedova, Jack McVeigh, Danté Exum, Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, Duop Reath, Chris Goulding, Matisse Thybulle, Josh Green, Dejan Vasiljevic, Joe Ingles, Jack White and Nick Kay
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