Olympic Games 2020: Philadelphia 76ers star Matisse Thybulle keen to play for Boomers in Tokyo

NBA star Matisse Thybulle insists his Aussie passport and citizenship are valid and he would even eat Vegemite to prove himself a true blue member of the Boomers.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle, left, knocks the ball from the hands of Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 136-130. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Australia’s hopes of a men’s basketball medal at the Tokyo Olympics have received a major boost with Philadelphia 76ers rookie Matisse Thybulle saying he is excited at the prospect of wearing green and gold.

Thybulle said his Australian passport and citizenship are valid and he would even eat Vegemite to prove himself a true blue member of the Boomers.

“If that’s what it takes I might but if I don’t have to I’m not going to,” a grimacing Thybulle, not a fan of Australia’s favourite breakfast spread, said.

Watch over 50 sports LIVE on Kayo! Stream to your TV, mobile, tablet or computer. Just $25/month, cancel anytime. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Matisse Thybulle makes life tough for Clippers star Kawai Leonard.

The LA Clippers beat the 76ers 136-130 in LA on Monday morning (EDT), with Thybulle scoring seven points.

The 22-year-old, 196cm tall shooting guard/small forward was born in the US but at the age of two moved with father Greg and mother Elizabeth to Sydney. The family spent seven years in Australia, his sister Chloe was born in Sydney and Thybulle is a dual citizen.

“I think it will be an exciting opportunity,” he said.

Pick winners and predict the margin of victory for 6 NBA matchups, It’s free to play and you could win big if your picks and margins are perfect!

“My Australian passport is up-to-date.

“My citizenship is still active.”

Thybulle said he would make a final decision on playing in Tokyo at the end of the NBA season.

The defensive specialist would be a huge plus for an Australian squad hit with a string of injuries.

Thybulle’s 76ers All-Star Australian teammate Ben Simmons is under a potential injury cloud for the rest of the season and Tokyo with a nerve impingement in his lower back.

Thybulle has proven a real asset for the 76ers.

Injury-prone Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dante Exum has also been sidelined with an ankle injury.

Thybulle was born in the US and spent most of his life in America. He said Simmons and Brett Brown, coach of the 76ers and Boomers, have been supportive of his desire to play for Australia.

Simmons was adamant at last month’s All-Star game Thybulle would play in Tokyo.

“It’s really exciting they have my back and they want me to play and be a part of it,” Thybulle said.

The NBA Playoffs begin on April 18 and the Olympics start July 24.

Originally published as Olympic Games 2020: Philadelphia 76ers star Matisse Thybulle keen to play for Boomers in Tokyo