How visa rejection delivered Australia one of its biggest sporting stars — Andrew Bogut
Had Andrew Bogut’s grandparents been able to settle in Canada in the 1970s, the hoops great could be playing against the Boomers in their World Cup opener.
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- Andrew Bogut on track to play in World Cup opener
It was the sliding doors moment that could have seen Andrew Bogut playing for Canada against Australia in tomorrow’s World Cup opener.
Flash back to the 1970s when Bogut’s Croatian grandparents fled war-torn Yugoslavia for a new life of hope and happiness in Canada.
“But they couldn’t in because the refugee visa cut-off was 31,” Bogut recalled.
“We had cousins in Australia, so they ended up coming here.”
Bogut’s father’s family settled in Melbourne.
“My mum and dad met in Melbourne and the rest is history.”
Canada’s loss is Australian basketball’s great gain, with 34-year-old Bogut one of the greatest players this country has produced.
In 2005, he was the first Australian to be selected as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.
A decade later he claimed NBA All-Defensive Second Team honours while he won a championship with Golden State.
It’s why his presence in the Boomers team is so pivotal to Australia picking up a first senior men’s medal.
Bogut is expected to play in Australia’s opening World Cup game against Canada in Dongguan despite straining his right ankle.
He fell awkwardly on his ankle in the closing stages of Australia’s 74-64 exhibition loss to Germany last Wednesday night.
The Sydney Kings big man went straight to the locker room for further checks.
Despite the setback, Boomers assistant coach Mark Bradtke believes Bogut will be fit to take on Canada on Sunday from 5.30pm (AEST).
“He (Andrew) is walking just like normal,” Bradtke said. “All positives from what I can see. Probably manage his court time in training and be ready for game one.”
Canada coach Nick Nurse isn’t concerned about targeting Bogut.
“I think there are probably three or four guys on our team that have the same problem,” Nurse said.
“I think we’ll just wait to see what everyone looks like once we get out there and see what happens.”
Canada went 1-1 against Australia in their two exhibition matches in Perth.
The Canadians won the opening clash by 20 points but Nurse isn’t getting carried away.
“For us the warm-up games against Australia were good and great competition but they don’t mean a damn thing,” he said.
“It is kind of like the NBA when you play the regular season and who the hell knows who will win.
“But it is what your game is like when the lights really come on.
“And we are going to find out.
“For us, it is going to take a team effort and we are going to have to play extraordinary basketball to beat Australia.”