Josh Giddey reveals why the Paris Boomers have what it takes to win a medal

After a woeful World Cup in 2023 the Boomers are back and in the hunt for another medal at the Paris Olympics, says NBA star Josh Giddey.

The Paris Boomers are built better with Josh Giddey declaring the brutal battle for selection sets it apart from the team that bombed at the 2023 World Cup.

“You probably had a pretty good idea of who was going to be on that plane going to the World Cup,” Giddey said.

“Coming into this camp it was so open and there were so many spots up for grabs.

“The level of competitiveness from day one was pretty evident and I think it speaks volumes of how well basketball is going in Australia.”

Matisse Thybulle’s omission from the Paris team drew a furious response rarely seen from Aussie fans, but the squad’s recent performances have reduced the noise.

Josh Giddey in action against France at Orleans. Picture: Adam Head

Strong wins over World Cup runner-ups Serbia and host nation France, and a tight six-point loss to Team USA in the lead-up to the Games has the Boomers back in medal contention after their 10th place finish at last year’s World Cup.

“The fact we have NBA talent and elite players from around the world missing out on the team is more of a compliment than anything,” Giddey said.

“You could feel it from day one that guys wanted to be on this team, wanted to be part of this journey going forward to Paris and I think that creates an environment of competitiveness that drives everyone in that same direction of winning a gold medal.”

Giddey believes the rejuvenated Boomers have what it takes to win gold.

“This is probably the realest chance we’ve ever had to win a gold medal in Australian basketball,” Giddey said . “We’ve got the pieces to do it. We back ourselves against anybody in the world. We’re not worried about who we’ve got to face.

“The guys, long before I was here, have been banging on the door for a while to get up on that podium, with the gold medal around the neck.

“You get that sense that these guys have that burning passion inside and want to take that next step forward.”

In addition to the high level of internal competition, fellow Boomer Jock Landale says the return of Matthew Dellavedova has delivered a much-needed hit of added experience.

Jock Landale with Josh Giddey at a pre-Olympics press conference. Picture: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

“Delly hasn’t had the opportunity to play as much as previous campaigns, but he still finds a way to put his prints on the program and steady the ship,” Landale said.

“He has a voice that everyone respects and it’s like having another coach either on the court or on the bench.”

Australia’s Paris campaign tips off on July 27 against Spain as they look to navigate the toughest group in the men’s Olympics draw.

However, they aren’t being intimidated by the mountain in front of them.

“We know we’ve got a tough road ahead of us with talented teams in our pool,” Giddey said.

“Inside the four walls we’re confident with what we’ve got in our locker room, with the guys that we have that we can put on the floor on any night.

“We back ourselves to go against anyone in the world.”

Originally published as Josh Giddey reveals why the Paris Boomers have what it takes to win a medal