Andrew Gaze calls for Ben Simmons to be picked for Boomers World Cup squad
An Australian basketball legend has called for the Boomers to take a huge ‘gamble’ on spurned superstar Ben Simmons as news of an ultimatum emerges.
Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze says he’d “gamble” on Ben Simmons’ fitness ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, assuming he was fit to play.
News Corp reports Basketball Australia has given Simmons a one-month ultimatum to commit to the World Cup campaign, which will kick off in August of this year with a pre-tournament camp in Cairns.
Simmons last week expressed his desire to be part of the Boomers set up that he has routinely avoided for the last decade, but was not named in Australia’s 18-man extended squad, with the Brooklyn Nets point forward currently rehabbing back and knee complaints.
Gaze said he would select the three-time NBA All-Star on the proviso that Simmons committed to an agreed role.
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“I would pick Ben and I would on the proviso of him agreeing to how his role would look,” the five-time Olympic Boomer told News Corp.
“He brings great versatility but I would be looking for him to play in that four (forward) spot in this particular squad.
“That doesn’t mean he can’t handle the ball or exploit the really good things he does in transition as a playmaker.
“But more stereotypically I’d be playing him in that (forward) role – and his versatility is as such that he would be fantastic at it.
“Ben would bring another dimension to the team that we’ve probably never had before.”
National team coach Brian Goorjian described the selection process for the extended squad as “tough”, citing the depth of talent in Australian basketball at the moment.
“Pulling together this extended squad has taken time – it’s been a thorough process,” Goorjian said on Monday.
“The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I’m really pleased with where we’ve landed with the guys we’ve selected, there’s a good balance across the court.
“The fact it’s been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now and this extends back to all the pathway programs, the Centre of Excellence and the dedicated coaches who have been committed to growing our game, setting the standard, and getting us to this position.
“After the draw took place around a week ago and we know who and where we’re playing, we’re excited and eager to get stuck in and prepare for what will be an extremely challenging tournament.”
Simmons made his intentions clear with in an interview with News Corp last week, confirming he was putting his efforts towards Boomers representation.
Simmons told the Herald Sun he loved what Goorjian was building with the Boomers.
“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.”
Goorjian said last week the national side was always open to Simmons, and that the 26-year-old was a “strong chance” to play at the tournament, hosted by Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.
“I think his (Ben’s) mindset is getting health, getting in shape and getting ready to play in this (World Cup),” Goorjian told SEN.
“And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time.
“There were unfortunate circumstances (why he didn’t play at Tokyo), but I feel like he is going to make himself available.
“Our door is always open to him and during my time with the Boomers he has always been straightforward with me.
“But that was a very tough situation (in Philadelphia) and he was in the process of change.
“It just didn’t work, but now he is in a situation where he is getting his health back to be ready to play.
“As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance (that he plays at the World Cup).
“I also feel that Ben understands being with the Boomers and enjoying his basketball while representing his country.
“He will also be around these guys that he has grown up with. He gets that and he wants that.”
Simmons was one of the most talented prospects in world basketball ahead of going to Philadelphia with the number one overall pick in the 2016 draft, before winning the 2018 Rookie of the Year.
He also represented the under-17 national side at age 15, but has only played two games for the senior Boomers across over a decade.
After playing two games in a bilateral series against New Zealand in 2013 aged just 16, Simmons missed the cut for the final roster for the 2014 FIBA World Cup, setting into motion a series of withdrawals from the Boomers set up that has meant he’s never played for the national team at an international tournament.
Simmons signalled his desire to represent Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics in August 2015, before pulling out in April 2016 to prepare for his rookie season in the NBA.
He then said he would play for Australia at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, before pulling out in July 2019 citing “professional obligations” with the Philadelphia 76ers.
In June 2021, he pulled out of the Australian Olympic squad for the Tokyo Olympics, saying he was focused on improving his shooting for the 2021-22 NBA season.
The 18-man squad also signals the inclusion for a tournament for the first time of Oklahoma City star Josh Giddey, who was cut from the national team’s final roster at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Giddey has starred for the Thunder this season, scoring 16.6 points per game on 48% shooting while racking up 6.2 assists and 7.9 rebounds as the Thunder’s starting shooting guard.
Giddey said he was looking forward to competing at the World Cup.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Boomers and representing Australia, so to get this opportunity is really special and I’m looking forward to competing at the World Cup,” Giddey said.
“There’s a lot of talent in this squad and I think we’ve got a good chance of matching it with every team – I’m excited for the challenge and to see what we can produce as a group on the world stage.”
There are 10 NBA-rostered players in the Boomers squad, with Dante Exum and Thon Maker having previously played in the league.
Australian Boomers extended 18-man squad: Xavier Cook, Dyson Daniels, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Sam Froling, Josh Giddey, Chris Goulding, Josh Green, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Jock Landale, Thon Maker, Will McDowell-White, Patty Mills, Keanu Pinder, Duop Reath, Matisse Thybulle, Jack White
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