Matthew Dellavedova says Boomers are aiming high at the World Cup
EXCLUSIVE: World rivals beware, the talent levels set to be included in Australia’s World Cup squad are insane, and Matthew Dellavedova is adamant the medal drought it set to end.
Basketball
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Boomers stalwart Matthew Dellavedova admits to a sense of urgency within the ranks to capitalise on a golden generation for Australian basketball.
Jobs will be up for grabs when the star-studded Australians set up shop in Melbourne in August to audition for the 12 golden tickets to the World Cup in China.
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Dellavedova is among the Victorian-dominated 18-man practice squad for the near-sold out Boomers blockbusters against Canada in Perth and Team USA at Marvel Stadium.
Australia is blessed with talent at both ends of the experience spectrum, with Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Dellavedova among the NBA veterans primed for international campaigns.
NBA All Star Simmons is likely to be joined by 76ers teammate Jonah Bolden and NBA-experienced Australian young guns Isaac Humphries, Thon Maker and Mangok Mathiang.
The 18-man squad, to be unveiled on Thursday in Melbourne, is likely to feature a number of NBL and Euro League-based Australians such as Chris Goulding, Nick Kay, Nathan Sobey and Brock Motum.
Only Frankston-bred Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Ryan Broekhoff (family reasons) and luckless Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (knee) are confirmed outs for Australia, while Aron Baynes could also be doubtful amid contract negotiations at Boston Celtics.
Dellavedova affirmed the Boomers’ World Cup credentials but warned the men’s national team must take every opportunity to snap its international medal drought.
He said the Boomers’ chemistry and appetite would help the team on the world stage.
“We’ve played against everyone that’s going to be at the tournament before, so we know what they can do,” dual Olympian Dellavedova said.
“I always get goosebumps when I talk about it because it's a lot of fun, and it’s the best basketball to play when everyone is solely focused on one goal, and is willing to do anything for the group.”
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