Why Jonah Bolden walked out on Boomers on eve of World Cup

Jonah Bolden pulled out of the Boomers’ World Cup squad because of ‘personal reasons’, but some of his teammates aren’t impressed with the NBA star’s shock departure.

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NBA star Jonah Bolden walked out on the Boomers on the eve of the World Cup following a disagreement about his lack of minutes and role in Australia’s rotation.

The Australian basketball community was shocked when Bolden cited “personal reasons” for withdrawing from the Boomers’ squad, only hours after starring in an exhibition win over Canada in Perth last Saturday.

The Philadelphia 76ers power forward has remained silent on his departure from but multiple sources have confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that he was frustrated with his position in the team.

Bolden received 11 minutes in Australia’s opening 90-70 loss to Canada last Friday, finishing with only two points.

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Jonah Bolden walked out on the Boomers on the eve of the World Cup. Picture: AAP

He then played a starring role in the Boomers’ dominant 81-73 win over the Canadians the following night.

The son of former NBL legend Bruce Bolden scored 12 points while he wowed the Perth crowd with his athleticism in an impressive 18-minute stint.

Despite this standout performance, Bolden still wasn’t happy with his standing in the Boomers team behind the likes of Jock Landale, who impressed starting against Canada.

The Boomers’ roster hasn’t even been finalised for the World Cup in China, starting on September 1.

Coach Andrej Lemanis is using exhibition games against Canada and Team USA to finalise his team for the Cup.

It is understood senior Boomers players are disappointed with Bolden’s stance on his lack of minutes, especially given Australia’s team-first culture that figures like Andrew Gaze, Luc Longley, Andrew Bogut and Patty Mills have built.

Jonah Bolden during the Boomers’ clash against Canada in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

Bolden is yet to publicly comment on the issue but he recently liked a tweet regarding the Boomers’ team selections.

The tweet said: “I’m with Jonah Bolden on this, was at both the Perth games and was absolutely shocked that he didn’t start and wasn’t the first option off the bench. He appeared to be the 10th guy in Lemanis’ rotation.”

Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze has speculated that Bolden might be protecting his NBA brand.

Gaze suspects that Bolden did not like where he fitted into the Boomers roster. “Judging by body language and drawing on my own experience, I suspect Jonah’s seen Jock Landale do what he’s doing, seen how he might fit into the program,” Gaze told Macquarie Sports Radio.

“These days it’s a sad thing but players are so concerned about their brand. “There might be a valid reason but this is the view of a lot of players who have these decisions to represent their country.

“If it is it’s a terrible situation when you can’t see the bigger picture when you’re playing for your country.”

Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis said it’s up to Bolden to explain his reasons for pulling out of the World Cup.

“When someone says personal reasons it’s respectful to allow him to speak to that, that’s not for me to speak to,” Lemanis said.

Lemanis is also confident that Bolden’s withdrawal will not hurt team chemistry, saying replacement David Barlow brings plenty of experience and enthusiasm.

“David has been around us and the core is so strong,” Lemanis said. “In terms of chemistry, (it) doesn’t affect us.

“The thing it interrupted, I guess, or had some disruption was just in terms of rotations and how we’re going to play together.

“We have a slightly different look.

“Jonah had a special skill set with his size and athleticism.”