Boomers coaching staff could prove the secret weapon in Rio campaign

AS the Boomers continue their charge toward Olympic glory, it is becoming apparent the calls from the coaching bench are proving as pivotal as the ones from the court.

Australia's power forward Brock Motum (R) works around Venezuela's centre Gregory Echenique during a Men's round Group A basketball match between Australia and Venezuela at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 14, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. / AFP PHOTO / Andrej ISAKOVIC

FORCE Matthew Dellavedova to shoot.

Two-time Olympian now Brisbane Bullets assistant coach CJ Bruton called it and that was Lithuania’s game plan to start their quarterfinal clash with the Boomers this morning.

But the NBA champion guard quickly forced Lithuania to resort to Plan B, hitting three triples in the first quarter to lead Australia to a 26-17 lead at the first break.

From there, Lithuania had no answer for the offence which has caused so many powerhouse teams, including Team USA, problems at the Rio Olympics.

Bruton said before the game yesterday, he expected the world’s third ranked team to focus on shutting Boomers sharpshooter Patty Mills but the San Antonio Spurs star top scored with 24 points while shooting more than 50 per cent from the field.

Australia's power forward Brock Motum jumps for the ball during a Men's quarterfinal basketball match between Australia and Lithuania at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 17, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / STRINGER

In complete contrast to their opponents, who seemed unprepared for the challenges of facing a rising Australian team, coach Andrej Lemanis’ stuff seemed to have an answer for everything Lithuania threw at them.

‘We had a game plan and we executed it very well,” Boomers forward Brock Motum said.

“Early in the game we hit shots and got some of their key players in foul trouble and never looked back.

“We stayed true to the process and kept building.”

The 12 players suiting up for Australia have been nothing short of amazing with their passion, effort, togetherness and pride but much of the credit has to go to Lemanis as well as assistant coaches Luc Longley, Trevor Gleeson and Mick Downer.

One thing that has been clear in Brazil is the Boomers have a clear game plan each match, giving the players wearing the green and gold jerseys the opportunity to execute it almost to perfection so far.

“The way the coaching staff have the team playing their roles and the team work and spirit is a huge part of their success,” Australian basketball legend and Olympian Brian Kerle said.

“The style of game the coaches have implemented is great to watch, they have prepared the team to perfection.

Brian Kerle. Picture: Chris McCormack.

“The coaches have to be given a major wrap in what is being achieved.”

Five down, two to go. After their quarterfinal, the Boomers will face Serbia in the semi-final Saturday morning (AEST) where a win will secure Australia’s first ever medal in men’s basketball at an Olympic Games.

“It will be a tough game but we will be ready,” Motum said.