Boomers shoot down controversial claims of a senior player boycott that led to Thybulle omission

The Boomers have shut down a controversial claim of a rift between players over selection, with the shock omission of Matisse Thybulle said to have been a result of a potential senior player boycott.

A member of the Boomers coaching staff has emphatically denied social media claims that a senior player threatened to pull out of the Paris Games after a “celebrated” star originally missed out on Australia’s Olympic squad.

Former Boomer and NBL guard Darren Lucas took to social media this week to suggest NBA star Matisse Thybulle was originally selected in the 12-man squad before a late change of heart.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Lucas went on to say Thybulle was replaced by a senior player because another veteran had said he would boycott if the player wasn’t reinstated in the squad.

“Matisse Thybulle was originally chosen in the Paris Olympics team on the Thursday, and a celebrated quality individual and veteran was not chosen,” said Lucas, who played 313 NBL games for three clubs, including five at the now defunct South East Melbourne Magic under Boomers coach Brian Goorjian.

Fans were left shocked with Matisse Thybulle’s omission of the Boomers Olympic team. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“After numerous phone calls and threats by a senior team member that if the veteran originally not chosen in the team of 12 is not reinstated this team leader will not play in Paris.

“Don’t get me wrong I’m loving how the team is playing and fingers crossed we get a medal again and more importantly I love Goorjian and we could not have chosen a better Olympic coach.

“But you take out this veteran who was not originally chosen and put Matisse’s defensive skills and athleticism into the mix and we are a better and a deeper team.

“If this scenario is true, shame on the leader of the Boomers for putting friendship above team and country goals.”

Lucas has since deleted his controversial social media post claiming a senior Boomers player threatened to boycott the Paris Olympics if another “celebrated” veteran wasn’t reinstated in the squad.

News Corp Australia understands Lucas was referring to Boomers swingman Joe Ingles, who sources say was originally left off Australia’s 12-man squad for Paris before a late change of heart.

It comes as a Boomers coaching staff member has denied a player boycott led to Matisse Thybulle’s shock cut from the squad.

It’s understood the Boomers players were informed of the cuts for the Paris Games after the final warm-up game against China in Melbourne on July 4.

A Boomers insider has confirmed that no players were involved in the selection process.

The coaching staff didn’t know who they were going to select for the Games until they had a meeting in the locker room after the China game. The players were told they would then be informed of the final 12.

It’s understood that Joe Ingles’ selection was under pressure. Picture: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

It is understood there was significant pressure on Boomers veteran Joe Ingles to be selected.

Lucas’ suggestion in his post that a senior player threatened to boycott the Games if another veteran wasn’t selected is not correct.

Thybulle’s axing from the Boomers’ Paris Olympic squad was met with shock from players and fans alike.

The Tokyo Olympian became a fan favourite after his athletic exploits to help the Boomers claim a historic bronze medal.

It has been argued that the Australians have desperately missed a player like Thybulle in Paris – a defensive wing who can also run the floor and shoot from range.

The Boomers must beat Greece on Friday to guarantee their position in the quarter-finals in Paris next week.

If the Australians defeat the Greeks they will finish in the top two. They could still lose and finish in the top two, but only if the defeat is by nine points or less.

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