Paris Olympics 2024 basketball groups: Boomers draw group of death as Opals also get tough run

Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. These are the potential NBA stars standing between the Boomers and a podium at this year’s Olympics.

Matt Logue

@mattlogue7

2 min read

March 20, 2024 - 1:59PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

The Boomers look set to run into one of Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokounmpo in the group stage of their Olympic campaign. Picture: Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Olympics

Don't miss out on the headlines from Olympics. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

These are the potential NBA players standing between the Australian Boomers and a podium at this year’s Paris Olympics.

The Boomers have been drawn in a ‘Group of Death’ for the Games this July.

The Australians were named in Group A alongside World Cup bronze medallists Canada (World ranking No.7) and the winner of two qualifying tournaments in Spain and Greece.

The teams at the qualifying tournament in Spain include host nation Spain, Lebanon, Angola, Finland, Poland and the Bahamas.

The sides at the qualifying tournament in Greece are Greece, Slovenia, New Zealand, Croatia, Egypt, Dominican Republic.

Spain (ranked No.2 in the world) is favoured to progress, while it’s looming as a three-way battle between Greece, Slovenia and Croatia for the final position.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in action for Greece. Picture: Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images

It means Australia could face either Doncic or Antetokounmpo at the Paris Games if Slovenia or Greece progress.

Spain would also be a daunting prospect for the Boomers given their rivalry that dates back decades.

The Spanish have broken Australia’s heart on multiple occasions, most notably the controversial loss in the bronze medal game at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The Boomers need to either finish in the top two of Group A or be one of two best third-placed teams across three pools to progress to the second round.

Australia is coming off a disappointing 10th place at the World Cup in Japan and will need to dramatically improve to reach the podium in Paris.

The Boomers have copped a brutal Olympic draw. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Opals (WR No.3) were also drawn in a tough group, although not as daunting as the Boomers.

The Australian women will line up alongside Canada (WR No.5), Nigeria (WR No.12) and host nation France (WR No.7) in Paris.

It’s not an easy draw, but the Opals will go in confident following their third-place finish at the 2022 FIBA World Cup in Sydney.

The Australians look set to name a strong squad with a potent mix of youth and experience, including the fifth Olympic appearance of the legendary Lauren Jackson.

The Opals will also be desperate to avenge a forgettable eighth-place finish at 2021 Tokyo Olympics.