Logue Down: Basketball’s GOAT in line for a fifth Olympics? All the latest NBL and hoops news
A possible Olympic farewell for Lauren Jackson, Bryce Cotton on his Boomers hopes, Ben Simmons news and much more in a bumper Logue Down column.
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The Australian Opals will leave the door open for the country’s greatest player – the legendary Lauren Jackson – to make an Olympic swan song at next year’s Paris Games.
The Logue Down can confirm Opals officials are refusing to rule out Jackson for a fifth Olympic appearance, should she make herself available.
It comes as Jackson – the most decorated Australian basketballer – has defied the odds to sign with the Southside Flyers for another WNBL season.
After leading the Opals to a World Cup bronze medal last year, Jackson joined Southside and quietly played through the pain of a fracture in her left foot.
In February, she ruptured her right Achilles tendon a minute into the Flyers’ clash with Sydney Flames in front of a record WNBL crowd.
Many thought it was over but the four-time Olympic medallist, even then, refused to close the door – she still felt fit and didn’t want to end as she did in 2016 when knee issues forced her into premature retirement.
Now Jackson, who turns 43 in May next year, is playing another WNBL season and could play for the Opals at one final Olympics in Paris.
If this happens, the Albury-born centre would join former Seattle Storm WNBA teammate Sue Bird as one of the oldest females to compete at the Games.
Bird became the oldest basketball player in the 85-year history of the sport at the Olympic Games to win gold in Tokyo 2021, aged 40.
Visa bungle ends Cotton’s Boomers hopes
The NBL’s premier player – Perth Wildcats champion guard Bryce Cotton – concedes he most likely won’t ever play for the Australian Boomers.
In an exclusive interview with the Logue Down, Cotton says he has come to terms with where any potential Boomers debut sits due to a Visa bungle.
The Wildcats superstar tried to obtain his permanent Australian residency in February, 2021 during Covid when the borders were closed.
Cotton was told his current visa had to be temporarily cancelled as part of the process to become a permanent resident. However, during this 10-15 minute window, the guard was deemed to be in the country unlawfully or illegally.
It meant Cotton couldn’t receive his Australian citizenship, therefore making him ineligible to play for the Boomers.
The Wildcats star has made multiple attempts to change the situation without success, prompting him to declare his chances of donning the green and gold are all but finished.
“I think the situation is pretty much is done because of the technicality of my Visa being changed for 15 minutes,” Cotton, 31, said.
“That meant I was in the country illegally or unlawfully, so that is why I’m being punished.
“If that is what it is, and that is what they are going to stick to, it’s out of my control and it doesn’t matter.
“It doesn’t really bother me because as I’ve said from the start, it was never a goal to put on the Boomers uniform.
“Once it became an opportunity it was like, ‘If it presents itself that would be amazing’, but if this is the situation then I’m not losing any sleep over it.”
National teams are allowed only one naturalised player, which for the Boomers is currently Portland NBA star Matisse Thybulle.
For Cotton to play for Australia, he needs to be a permanent resident or receive an exemption to become one.
In February this year, Basketball Australia withdrew its request with the Australian Olympic Committee for the guard’s citizenship to be fast-tracked.
The AOC can only lodge a “special circumstance request” to fast-track citizenship for athletes who will compete in an Olympics.
As Basketball Australia was unable to confirm Cotton would be in an Olympic squad for 2024 at this time, his application couldn’t proceed.
“We respect Bryce’s contribution to basketball in Australia and have made every effort to support his application,” BA chief executive Matt Scriven said.
“Unfortunately, his application doesn’t meet the requirements for the AOC’s support at this time.”
Perth remains determined to get Cotton naturalised to open up another import spot, and recently asked questions why the guard’s legal action against the Federal Government was withdrawn.
The Wildcats star had lodged an Application for Review of the Decision to make him ineligible for Australian citizenship on June 2, a direct challenge to the ruling from the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
Aldridge keen on NBL investment
Seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge has expressed a desire to join the strong list of former NBA players currently investing in the booming Australian league.
Aldridge, who was recently in Australia to watch the NBL season opener and promote the upcoming NBA season, is keen to be involved in the Aussie competition in some capacity.
The former San Antonio Spur great could join the likes of John Wall (Phoenix), Khris Middleton (Bullets) and Australia’s Dante Exum (Phoenix) as current or ex-NBA players investing in the NBL.
“I would have to do a bit more research and learn more, I’d definitely be interested in it,” Aldridge said when asked about becoming involved in the NBL at some level.
“The brand over here is growing, the NBL is going to keep getting better and people are starting to see that.
“I definitely wouldn’t mind getting involved, but I’d have to figure out in what way.
“But I think the NBL is trending up and quickly.
“The opening game between United and the Phoenix was a great quality of basketball, it’s played the right way and there were a lot of talented guys.
“It was also a packed house and the fans were excited, so everyone is starting to notice the NBL more.”
Froling injury exposes loophole
Harry Froling’s life-threatening one-punch attack has exposed loopholes in the system that must be looked at for the betterment of all players.
Froling faces the prospect of never playing competitive basketball again as he recovers from a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.
He is yet to be medically cleared for physical activity after sustaining shocking injuries in an alleged assault on the NSW south coast in January.
In a further hit, Froling has no insurance or income protection and is currently paying for his medical bills and recovery via his own superannuation.
At present, there is no cover in the Collective Bargaining Agreement for a player who injuries themselves outside of a game or training.
Froling was knocked unconscious in the alleged attack in Wollongong on January 22 at 2.40am, following Brisbane’s clash against the Illawarra Hawks.
He was on a road trip representing the Bullets, but he still isn’t covered, unlike the average worker.
In fact, all Australian athletes are excluded from WorkCover.
Froling – a four club veteran - has spent the past seven months recovering, but is still no closer to a comeback.
Cook not done yet?
South East Melbourne Phoenix injury replacement Tyler Cook has left the door slightly ajar to remain in the NBL.
Cook, who has played 66 NBA games, is expected to depart the league when Phoenix big man Alan Williams returns from a knee injury.
However, it’s understood Williams could still be a few weeks away from playing.
The Euro league has been floated as Cook’s most likely next destination, but the man himself says he is yet to make a decision.
It comes as the Adelaide 36ers are on the lookout for an import four, prompting links to Cook.
“Honestly, I don’t know yet,” Cook said when asked about the prospect of staying in the NBL.
“My agent and I haven’t come to a conclusion, mostly because I like to concentrate on where I’m at now out of respect to what I’m trying to do here and with this (Phoenix) group.
“I’ll handle that when it comes and I don’t know what it will bring.
“I’ve definitely enjoyed it here and I would have to weigh up my options.
“My goal is to get back to the NBA, but if the NBL turned out to be the best option for me I’ll do whatever is the best for myself and my family.
“I’ve loved it so far. This whole league and community has welcomed me with open arms.”
Cook had only two training sessions prior to playing – and excelling – at the pre-season Blitz on the Gold Coast as the tournament MVP.
He is averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in his two regular season games for the Phoenix.
Simmons locked in on Paris
Ben Simmons has again doubled down on his desire to represent the Boomers at next year’s Paris Olympics.
In an interview at Brooklyn’s NBA media day, Simmons declared Paris remains in his sights despite having never donned the green and gold at a major tournament.
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian had “opened the door” for the NBA star to play at this year’s World Cup.
However, Simmons opted to put his recovery from a back injury first in a bid to prepare for the upcoming NBA season with the Nets.
The three-time All-Star is fit and says he hasn’t felt this physically and mentally strong in two seasons.
“My goal is to play at Paris next year, so I’m excited,” Simmons said.
“Knock on wood, I stay healthy and everything goes to plan, I want to be wearing the Australian jersey next summer.”
It’s fantastic to see Simmons signalling his intent to don the green and gold, but we’ve also heard it before, and the Boomers deserve a firm commitment to adequately prepare for a serious tilt at the podium in Paris.
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