Teenager’s big statement in Boomers’ thrashing of Nigeria

A teenager has given coach Brian Goorjian a late Tokyo Olympics headache after he put on a clinic in the Boomers’ huge victory on Wednesday.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian rested his stars against Nigeria. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

The Boomers are building impressive momentum for the Tokyo Olympics after recording a third straight exhibition win, this time a blowout 108-69 victory over Nigeria, Australia’s opening group stage opponent.

1-GOORJIAN’S MIND GAMES:

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian is the master at keeping his cards close to his chest, which came to the fore in Australia’s exhibition match against Nigeria.

With the Australians coming off a big win over Team USA on the second day of a back-to-back, Goorjian’s plan was to always rest senior stars Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Aron Baynes and Matthew Dellavedova.

The master mentor wanted to give the Boomers’ younger players a chance to shine, and shine they did.

The likes of Nathan Sobey, Dante Exum, Josh Green, Xavier Cooks and NBA-draft bound sensation Josh Giddey all excelled.

Goorjian, as Boomers legend Andrew Bogut said after the Australians defeated Team USA, doesn’t want to give away all of Australia’s secrets because it opens the door for rival teams to scout his squad.

The Australians also play Nigeria in their opening Olympic group game on July 25, so it’s smart to keep the opposition guessing.

That said, Nigeria also mixed up its line-up and will be significantly better come tip-off time in Tokyo.

2-GIDDEY IS READY NOW:

Josh Giddey isn’t in Australia’s final 12-man squad for Tokyo, but the NBA-draft bound guard proved he was ready to star on the international stage.

It poses the question: Should coach Goorjian take Giddey to the Olympics over a player like Nathan Sobey given his ability to create at point guard?

The 18-year-old looked slick bringing the ball up with his pinpoint passing and potent perimeter shooting, including one transition three that prompted someone in the crowd at Las Vegas to declare: “That is a lottery pick right there.”

Giddey won’t be travelling to Tokyo, but the argument could be made to reverse that decision for the betterment of the Boomers’ medal chances.

The Melbourne-born guard, though, is just appreciative to rub shoulders with Australia’s best in preparation for the NBA draft on July 29.

“It is a lot of fun being around the guys we’ve got and being able to compete against the competition we do every practice,” the projected top-10 draft pick said.

“I’m getting better from it whether I go to Tokyo or not, which I’m not.

“It is just good being around the group, seeing how professional they are and getting an early feel for this Boomers culture.

“I’ll be cheering them on from home hoping they get that gold medal.”

3-NBL STARS SHOW NBA POTENTIAL:

With senior stars like Mills, Baynes and Ingles missing, the Boomers needed the bench to excel in their absence, which they did in spades.

Chris Goulding continued his sharpshooting ways with a spectacular display, Nick Kay was at his hardworking best, while centre Duop Reath impressed again.

The former Melbourne United big man Jock Landale, who usually starts, also relished the opportunity to take on a senior role.

Landale looked locked in and comfortable from the onset in a performance that will only enhance his NBA aspirations.

"The @ChrisGoulding43 show"

Relive all 7/7 of Goulding's sensational three-pointers! https://t.co/SXuSkhhf4J

— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) July 14, 2021

4-SOBEY STEPS UP:

This game was exactly what Boomers guard Nathan Sobey needed.

Sobey had looked tentative in the limited minutes he’d previously played, especially bringing the ball up, but he produced his strongest performance in Australian colours against Nigeria.

The Brisbane Bullets guard found his shooting stroke in an effort that will do wonders for his confidence.

5-DEFENCE IS AUSTRALIA’S IDENTITY:

Brian Goorjian’s famed defensive focus has its fingerprints all over this Boomers team from the top to the bottom.

The Australians are scrambling on every possession with energy and effort – a trait that Goorjian-coached teams have displayed for decades.

If the Boomers are to win a maiden Olympic medal in Tokyo, the team’s dogged defence will play a major role.