Boomers determined to ignore the hysteria and focus on the prize of Olympic gold

THEY are without doubt one of Australia’s success stories at the Rio Games but the Boomers are determined to ignore the hysteria and focus on Olympic glory.

An overview shows (Clockwise from L) Australia's forward Cameron Bairstow, China's forward Yi Jianlian, Australia's power forward Brock Motum and China's centre Zhou Qi eye a rebound during a Men's round Group A basketball match between China and Australia at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 12, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Jim YOUNG

THE Boomers are aware but not getting caught up in the hysteria their Olympic campaign has created in Australia as they prepare to book a spot in the gold medal match.

Australia can secure the country’s first ever men’s basketball Olympic medal with a win over Serbia in the final tomorrow morning.

But assistant coach Mick Downer said they were only focused on the job at hand.

“We are aware of the great support of the basketball community back home and are happy our game can be viewed at a great time in Australia,” he said.

Mick Downer. Picture: John Gass

“We’ll reflect later but for now it’s business as usual as we continue to work towards our goal.”

Despite beating tomorrow’s opponents 95-80 in the group stages, it will be a tough challenge for the Boomers against Serbia led by star guard Milos Teodosic.

Downer said finals at major tournaments like the Olympics come down to taking care of the little things.

An overview shows Australia's forward Cameron Bairstow (R) go for a rebound past China's forward Zhai Xiaochuan during a Men's round Group A basketball match between China and Australia at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 12, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Jim YOUNG

“It’s the little things that make differences in games while reinforcing the big picture of our identity as a team,” he said.

“Little things like blockouts, close-out assignments and key points of execution for our scout are being digested by the group.

“We obviously feel good about the game and how we are playing knowing that we have won a tough contest earlier in the tournament. As cliche as it sounds, that was then and this is now, and we know there are areas we must continue to improve to play our best basketball.”

After a dominant victory over Olympic rivals Lithuania in the quarterfinal, Downer said he expected Serbia to play a similar style.

“We played consistent and tough over the 40 minutes against Lithuania in the quarters and the game style and match ups will be very similar against Serbia,” he said.

“They pass the ball well and play off pick and roll as good as any team in the world so we will need to be on point in these areas.

An overview shows Australia's shooting guard Chris Goulding (C) hold off Venezuela's small forward Anthony Perez 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

“Like most games it will come down to the possession game both in quantity and the quality of our shot making at the offensive end.

“The boys are healthy and doing all the things you’d expect at this stage of our tournament to be ready.”

Tip-off is at 8am tomorrow morning (AEST).