Australian basketball star Ben Simmons confirms he wants to play for the Boomers

The naysayers were quick to question why Ben Simmons suddenly wants to represent the Boomers. But they will be very quiet if he confirms he’s in, writes Michael Randall.

Ben Simmons has confirmed he still wants to be a Boomer.

A day after national coach Brian Goorjian revealed the polarising Aussie NBA star was working toward a shock appearance in August’s FIBA World Cup, Simmons said he wants to wear the green and gold and be part of the famed Boomers culture.

“I’m currently rehabilitating my back injury and putting my full effort and focus towards that,” Simmons said.

“I love what coach Goorjian is building with the Boomers and I look forward to being a part of the program in the future.”

That’s not definitive proof he’ll play in August’s World Cup — and that’s smart from the three-time NBA All Star because a lot has to go right for him to be a part of the Aussies’ campaign.

It’s understood he won’t be named in the initial Boomers squad but will be given every opportunity by Goorjian to prove his health and commitment.

The 208cm Melbourne-born guard is still dealing with the effects of residual nerve issues in his back, stemming from an operation in May last year to fix a herniated disc — a surgery that can take up to 18 months for full recovery.

Ben Simmons is keen to return to the Boomers program. Picture: Getty Images

Simmons, who ruled himself out of the Boomers’ groundbreaking Tokyo Olympic bronze medal campaign, is understood to be working hard on getting back on the court, but the Aussies enter training camp in late July, and that means time is not on his side.

If the son of Melbourne Tigers’ legend Dave Simmons was to declare himself fit and available, Goorjian would have no issue adding him as a late entrant to the Cairns camp.

But he would be thrown straight into the fire of the most-talented group of Australian players ever assembled in one place — 18 mostly-NBA players, including Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, all hellbent on being part of the 12-man squad that’s on the floor in Okinawa, Japan when their World Cup campaign tips off against Finland on Friday, August 25.

The former NBA Rookie of the Year’s litany of issues in Philadelphia are well-documented and, after last season’s tumultuous new start in Brooklyn (6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists), which ended with him away from the team after 42 games, he parted with long-time agency Klutch Sports.

Now represented by power agent Bernie Lee, a rehabilitation of body and image is under way and many in Aussie basketball believe the best way to sway public sentiment is to absorb the atmosphere created by the likes of Joe Ingles, Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova and fostered by Goorjian.

Many Aussie fans reacted poorly to the news Simmons was still in the national team frame — and they have good reason, he’s often been his own worst enemy. But there are still plenty of believers and, should he lock in on the Boomers — and contribute to — national success, the naysayers would quickly change their tune.

Here’s hoping.