Confident and motivated, the Boomers have one thing on their mind — causing a massive Olympic upset
WITH 19 consecutive wins, it is little wonder the USA’s Dream Team is regarded as one of the world’s best outfits. But our Boomers are hellbent on making the US’s Olympic campaign a nightmare.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AUGUST 27, 2004.
The date Argentina recorded one of the biggest upsets in Olympic men’s basketball history.
NBA stars Manu Ginobili and Louis Scola led the Pumas to an 89-81 victory in the semi-final in Athens — the last time the USA tasted defeat in Olympic competition.
Coach Mike Kryzyzewski’s team is currently riding a 19-game winning streak after victories over China and Venezuela to start the Rio Games — but a confident and motivated Australian Boomers team awaits.
The Boomers are off to Australia’s best ever start at an Olympics after wins over European powerhouses France and Serbia in the opening two games and have been led by NBA stars Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills.
One thing Australia has proven so far this Olympics is they have the depth to be considered among the best teams in international competition with NBA players Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes as well as big men Cameron Bairstow and David Anderson, who both have experience in the world’s top league.
But the Boomers will face their toughest challenge yet tomorrow morning when they look to inflict the first loss on the US at an Olympics in almost 12 years.
“The first two games were good tests but the USA will be the toughest game so far,” Australian forward Brock Motum said.
‘We have taken two steps in the right direction but it’s a process and we need to keep striving towards our goal.
“Hopefully we can take another positive stride in tomorrow’s game.”
Boomers big man Cameron Bairstow said the group felt confident heading into the match.
“As a group we are excited for the challenge going against the favorites early on in the tournament will be a great test and one we are looking forward to,” he said.
Assistant coach Mick Downer said the Boomers could not wait for the biggest challenge in international basketball.
“They are the benchmark of world basketball and if we want to achieve our goal we have to be able to beat them over 40 minutes,” he said.
“Understandably, it’s no easy task but we are in a good place and continuing to improve as we keep playing together more.
“We are excited about where we are as a group and the things we need to keep working on throughout the remainder of the group phase. It is great for basketball in Australia and we are sure the boys will put their best foot forward.”
Downer said minimising the athletic impact of the USA team featuring superstars such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Carmelo Anthony would be crucial.
“They are good at converting on opposition turnovers, something that we feel is a strength for our team is to take care of the ball,” he said.
“The rebounding battle in both directions is a key influence on the outcome of the game. It’s not rocket science but we need a committed effort by all five players on every possession. This takes discipline and we feel strongly about our ability to do this.
“Both teams will look to attack the rim through the paint, post and penetration and this will be a hotly contested component of the game but it may come down to the ability to make the extra pass, find the open man and knock down enough shots.”
Downer said the team loved the support from Australian fans in Brazil and back home and hoped they would enjoy watching the Boomers take it up to the world’s No. 1 ranked team tomorrow at 8am (AEST).
“Enjoy the contest,” he said.
Australia’s women’s basketball team, the Opals, produced their best performance of the Rio Games this morning beating France 89-71.
The Opals struggled to find any consistency in their first two wins over Brazil and Turkey and went into this morning’s game prepared for a tough challenge after France beat Australia in London in 2012.
But WNBA star Penny Taylor led from the front for the Opals, putting together an impressive stat line with 33 points, nine assists and five rebounds as Brendan Joyce’s team remain undefeated to start their Olympic campaign.
Australia, featuring former Kedron State School student Cayla George and former SEQ Stars players Rachel Jarry and Erin Phillips, next take on Japan on Friday at 6.45am (AEST).
Koori Knockout: Walgett claims KO success, 300+ photos from Day 4
Walgett remains at the top of the Koori Knockout tree after claiming its second-straight KO victory in Bathurst. Relive the big day with our massive 300+ photo gallery from day four action.
Browne to step down — but which Pies lifer will replace him?
Collingwood president Jeff Browne will depart the club at the end of the year, with the club already sounding out its replacement. Here’s who is in line to take up the big job at the Pies.