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Opals and Boomers’ Paris Olympics 2024 Guide: Team list, schedule, draws, latest news

Australia’s strong history of results at the Olympic Games goes on the line again in Paris 2024.

Going Gold: Paris 2024 Olympic uniforms revealed

Australia will shoot for basketball glory in Paris 2024 – but what are our hopes?

The national men’s side, the Boomers, and the women’s line-up, the Opals, have a mixed history of heartache and honour when it comes to the Olympic Games.

The men’s team in March 2024 were drawn in the “group of death”, while the Opals also look to have a tough run when the action starts in July.

Lauren Jackson will lead the Aussie charge in Paris. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Lauren Jackson will lead the Aussie charge in Paris. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

In June there was controversy when star Australian players and basketball fans vented their strong disapproval of the new Boomers and Opals uniforms for the Paris Olympics, with gun guard Josh Giddey labelling the kits a “joke”.

Everything you need to know about the Opals and Boomers below >>>

Jump to: Full draws | Squad lists | Games history | Fast facts

WHAT ARE THE SCHEDULES?

OPALS

The Australian women, ranked No. 3, will line up alongside Canada (WR No. 5), Nigeria (WR No. 12) and host nation France (WR No. 7) in Paris.

Concerns over a poor preparation seemed justified when the Opals suffered a shock 75-62 loss to Nigeria.

All matches will be held in Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille before finals move to Paris.

Saturday, July 27: Nigeria 75 d Opals 62

Tuesday, July 30:Opals 70 d Canada 65

Friday, August 2: Australia 79 d France 72

The Opals have high hopes for Paris. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images
The Opals have high hopes for Paris. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

BOOMERS

The Australians were named in Group B alongside World Cup bronze medallists Canada (World ranking No. 7), arch nemesis Spain and Greece.

The draw was branded the “Group of Death”, though they warmed up in style before the Games.

Josh Giddey immediately labelled the squad a medal chance, even as it was revealed that 53 NBA stars would line up across the 12 teams.

However Australia blew the biggest lead in Olympic history to bow out in the quarter-finals against Serbia.

Saturday, July 27: Australia 92 d Spain 80

Tuesday, July 30:Canada 93 d Australia 83

Friday, August 2: Greece 77 d Australia 71

Tuesday, August 6:Serbia 95 d Australia 90 (OT)

*Top three in each group progress to the second round in Paris

WHAT ARE THE TEAM LISTS?

OPALS

The squad was finalised in July 2024, with generational talent Caitlin Clark controversially overlooked.

The Opals named a strong squad with a potent mix of youth and experience, including the fifth Olympic appearance of the legendary Lauren Jackson.

Rebecca Allen

â–  Inside Allen’s injury horror

Position: Forward

DOB: 06/11/1992

Debut: 2014 FIBA World Cup

Height: 188cm

Major Tournaments: FIBA Asia Cup: 2019. FIBA World Cup: 2014, 2018, 2022. Olympic Games: 2020

Current team: Connecticut Sun, WNBA

Isobel Borlase

â–  Rise and rise of Borlase

Position: Guard

DOB: 12/09/2004

Debut: FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, 2024

Height: 180cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA Under-19 World Cup: 2023

Current team: Adelaide Lightning, WNBL

Isobel Borlase is one of Australian basketball's biggest and brightest stars. Picture: Kelly Barnes
Isobel Borlase is one of Australian basketball's biggest and brightest stars. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Lauren Jackson

â–  Career fears, Paris hopes, Hall of Fame induction

Position: Centre

DOB: 11/05/1981

Debut:1998 FIBA World Cup

Height: 195cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA World Cup: 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2022. Olympic Games: 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012.Commonwealth Games: 2006

Current team: Southside Flyers, WNBL

Cayla George

â–  George's big US win

â–  Why everything is lining up perfectly for Opals

Position: Forward

DOB: 01/05/1989

Debut: 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship

Height: 193cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA Asia Cup: 2019. FIBA World Cup: 2014, 2018, 2022. Olympic Games: 2016, 2020. Commonwealth Games: 2018

Current team:Sydney Flames, WNBL/Las Vegas Aces, WNBA

Tess Madgen

â–  Madgen’s club switch

â–  This player will ‘carry the torch after Jackson’

Position: Guard

DOB: 12/08/1990

Debut: 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship

Height: 180cm

Major Tournaments: : : FIBA Asia Cup: 2023. FIBA World Cup: 2018, 2022. Olympic Games: 2020

Current team: Sydney Flames, WNBL

Ezi Magbegor

â–  Rise of Magbegor

â–  Ezi tipped to be the next big thing

Position: Forward

DOB: 13/08/1999

Debut: 2018 FIBA World Cup

Height: 193cm

Major Tournaments: : : FIBA Asia Cup: 2019. FIBA World Cup: 2018, 2022. Olympic Games: 2020. Commonwealth Games: 2018

Current team:ZVVZ USK Praha/Seattle Storm, WNBA

Jade Melbourne

â–  Melbourne’s road to success

â–  Future star on brink of Olympic dream

Position: Guard

DOB: 18/08/2022

Debut: 2021 FIBA Asia Cup

Height: 178cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA Asia Cup: 2021

Current team: UC Capitals, WNBL/Seattle Storm, WNBA

Stephanie Talbot

â–  The rise and rise of Talbot

Position: Guard

DOB: 15/06/1994

Place of birth

Katherine, Northern Territory

Debut: 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship

Height: 188cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA World Cup: 2018, 2022. Olympic Games: 2016, 2020.

Current team: Adelaide Lightning, WNBL/Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA

Alanna Smith

â–  Smith family name rises again

Position: Forward

DOB: 09/09/1996

Debut: 2017 FIBA Asia Cup

Height: 191cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA World Cup: 2018. Olympic Games: 2020

Current team: Emalk Konut Spor Kulubu, Istanbul/Chicago Sky, WNBA

Marianna Tolo

â–  How Tolo bounced back from ACL tear

Position: Centre

DOB: 02/07/1989

Debut: 2007 FIBA Oceania Championship

Height: 196cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA Asia Cup: 2017. FIBA World Cup: 2014, 2018, 2022. Tokyo Olympics 2016, 2020

Current team: Spar Girona, Euro League

Kristy Wallace

â–  How Wallace survived the cut

Position: Guard

DOB: 02/01/1996

Debut: 2021 FIBA Asia Cup

Height: 180cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA World Cup: 2022

Current team: Melbourne Boomers WNBL/Indianna Fever, WNBA

Sami Whitcomb

Position: Guard

DOB: 20/07/1988

Debut: 2018 FIBA World Cup

Height: 178cm

Major Tournaments: : FIBA Asia Cup: 2021. FIBA World Cup: 2018, 2022

Current team: Townsville Fire, WNBL/Seattle Storm, WNBA

BOOMERS

The 12-man squad below is set to be confirmed.

Patty Mills

â–  Mills makes monster switch

â–  Why Mills could be benched

â–  Mills shines in Paris warning to rivals

â–  Man on a mission at Games

â–  ‘FIBA Patty’ prove NBA woes are not a Boomers worry

Position: Shooting Guard

DOB: 11/08/1988

Debut: 2007 FIBA Oceania Championships

Height: 183cm

Major Tournaments - Olympics: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020. FIBA World Cup: 2010, 2019, 2023

Current team: Miami Heat, NBA

Junior club: The Shadows, Canberra

Patty Mills is a Boomers star. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Patty Mills is a Boomers star. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Josh Giddey

â–  Goorjian backs Giddey’s Bulls trade

â–  Pippen’s message for Giddey

â–  Giddey fires up over ‘joke’ Paris uniform

â–  ‘This is why we are destined for a medal’

Position: Point Guard

DOB: 10/10/2002

Debut: FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers

Height: 203cm

Major Tournaments:FIBA 2023 World Cup

Current team: Chicago Bulls, NBA

Junior club: Melbourne Tigers

Dyson Daniels

â–  Meet the Boomers’ defensive beast

â–  Daniels’ cruel blow

â–  Why Daniels could trump veteran at Games

â–  NBA young gun undaunted by the Boomers’ draw

â–  Daniels arrives on the big stage

Position: Guard Point/Guard

DOB: 17/03/2003

Debut: FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers

Height: 203cm

Major Tournaments: FIBA World Cup 2023

Current team: Atlanta Hawks, NBA

Junior club: Bendigo Braves

Josh Giddey in action for the Boomers against USA in Abu Dhabi before the Games. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images
Josh Giddey in action for the Boomers against USA in Abu Dhabi before the Games. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images

Jack McVeigh

â–  McVeigh stars as Boomers down China

â–  Boomer pair who overcame adversity

â–  Why NBA is calling for McVeigh

Position: Guard

Debut: 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Height: 6’8 - 203cm

Major Tournaments: N/A

Current team: Tasmania JackJumpers, NBL

Junior club: North Gold Coast Seahawks

Origin: Cabarita Beach, Australia

Jock Landale

â–  Aussie NBA star’s footy trick shot

â–  Landale proves his value against USA

â–  Why we will win this for Bogut

Position: Centre

DOB: 25/10/1995

Debut: FIBA World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers

Height: 211cm

Major Tournaments: 2020 Olympics; FIBA World Cup: 2019

Current team: Houston Rockets, NBA

Junior club:Geelong Grammar School

Origin: Melbourne, Australia

Dante Exum

â–  ‘Superman’ play wows crowds

Position: Guard

DOB: 13/07/1995

Place of birth: Melbourne, Australia

Debut: 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship

Height: 196cm

Major Tournaments - Olympics: 2020. FIBA World Cup: 2014, 2023.

Current team: Dallas Mavericks, NBA

Junior club: Keilor Thunder

The Aussies are aiming for a medal in Paris. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images
The Aussies are aiming for a medal in Paris. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images

Josh Green

â–  Green’s career-best NBA show

â–  Green reveals how he knew NBA trade was on cards

Position: Shooting Guard

DOB: 16/11/2000

Debut: 2020 Olympics

Height: 197cm

Major Tournaments: Tokyo 2020 Olympics, FIBA 2023 World Cup

Current team: Charlotte Hornets, NBA

Junior club: Hills Hornets, NSW

Joe Ingles

â–  Ingles’ scary incident

â–  Why Ingles could be benched

â–  I have more to give: Ingles

Position: Shooting Guard/Forward

DOB: 02/10/1987

Debut: 2008 Beijing Olympics

Height: 203cm

Major Tournaments - Olympics: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020. FIBA World Cup: 2010, 2014, 2019, 2023

Current team: Orlando Magic, NBA

Junior club: Southern Tigers, South Australia

Origin: Happy Valley, South Australia

Nick Kay

â–  Rise of Kay in the NBL

Position: Forward/Centre

DOB: 03/08/1992

Debut: 2017 FIBA Asia Cup

Height: 206cm

Major Tournaments - Olympics: 2020. FIBA World Cup: 2019, 2023

Current team: Shimane Susanoo Magic, Japanese B League

Duop Reath

â–  How we discovered ‘hidden gem’

Position: Centre

DOB: 26/06/1996

Debut: 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Height: 6’9 - 211cm

Major Tournaments: Tokyo 2020 Olympics, FIBA 2023 World Cup

Current team: Portland Trail Blazers

Junior club: Perry Lakes Hawks

Origin: Waat, South Sudan

Team USA will stand in the way against the Boomers. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images
Team USA will stand in the way against the Boomers. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images

Matthew Dellavedova

â–  Why veteran could have been overlooked for whizkid

â–  How Della justified his place

Position: Point Guard

DOB: 08/09/1990

Debut: 2009 FIBA Oceania Championship

Height: 193cm

Major Tournaments: Olympics: 2012, 2016, 2020.

FIBA World Cup: 2014, 2019.

Current team: Melbourne United, NBL

Junior club: Maryborough, Victoria

Will Magnay

â–  How Magnay is chasing his Olympic dreams

â–  Boomer pair who overcame adversity

Position: Centre

Debut: N/A

Height: 6’10 - 208cm

Major Tournaments: N/A

Current team: Tasmania JackJumpers, NBL

Junior club: Northside Wizards

Origin: Brisbane, Queensland

WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE HISTORY AT THE GAMES?

OPALS

As women’s basketball arrived at the 1976 Games, Australia failed to qualify for the first two editions.

However they claimed fifth from six teams in 1984, and fourth in 1988.

They again failed to reach the 1992 Games, before earning third four years later and silver in 2000, 2004 and 2008.

The Opals won bronze in 2012 but failed to medal four years later, and endured a miserable eighth place finish in 2020.

BOOMERS

Australia’s men's side debuted on the international stage at the 1956 Games, finishing 12th.

They did not qualify in 1960 before claiming ninth in 1964.

They failed to qualify again in 1968.

Famously the Boomers reached the Olympic semi-final in 1988, 1996 and 2000 but missed out on a medal each time.

They finished ninth at the 2004 Olympics in Athens – their worst finish since 1972 – and didn’t get past the quarters in 2008 and 2012.

They famously lost 89-88 to Spain in the bronze contest of 2016.

At Tokyo 2020 Australia topped Group B, winning all three pool games, before crushing Argentina in the quarters.

They then lost 97-78 to USA but pipped Slovenia in the bronze medal match.

Brian Goorjian will again coach the Boomers. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Brian Goorjian will again coach the Boomers. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

OLYMPIC FAST FACTS

When are the 2024 Paris Games on?

Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11, 2024

How many times has Paris hosted the Olympics?

Paris (1900, 1924 and 2024) will become the second city, after London (1908, 1948 and 2012) to host the summer Olympics three times.

How much are tickets for Paris 2024 Olympics?

Full details can be found here.

Where can I watch the Paris Olympics in Australia?

Channel 9 won the hosting right for the 2024 Paris Games after Channel 7 had previously had rights for decades.

Stan Sport will also offer most of the Olympics in 4K UHD for the first time in Australian history.

Both Stan Sport and Channel 9 will provide every minute of every event.

What is the time difference between Paris and Australia?

Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart and Melbourne are 8 hours ahead of Paris.

Adelaide is 7.5 hours ahead.

Perth is 6 hours ahead.

Darwin is 7.5 hours ahead.

Originally published as Opals and Boomers’ Paris Olympics 2024 Guide: Team list, schedule, draws, latest news

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/olympics/opals-and-boomers-paris-olympics-2024-guide-team-list-schedule-draws-latest-news/news-story/9430bc5b1909f06b9228e4c99b6d6e23