Ben Simmons a ‘massive’ inclusion as the Boomers chase first medal according to rising big man Jock Landale

Rising Boomers big man Jock Landale knows the importance of Ben Simmons playing at the Tokyo Olympics to help Australia claim a maiden men’s medal.

If you thought the Boomers looked strong at the 2019 World Cup in China when they finished fourth, wait until two-time NBA All Star Ben Simmons is added to the squad.

That is the message from rising Australian big man Jock Landale, who says Simmons’ ability to dominate at both ends of the floor will help the Boomers reach another level at this year’s Tokyo Olympics as they search for a maiden men’s international medal.

Landale is yet to play alongside the Philadelphia 76ers star on the highest stage, but he witnessed his silky skills first-hand during an Australian training session in the lead-up to the Cup in ’19.

Jock Landale says Ben Simmons will take the Boomers to another level. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“And it was incredible,” Landale said.

“The short time we were around Ben at the previous camp he brought a different level of intensity to our practice and game play.

“He just makes the game so much easier for everyone around him, so having him out there would be massive for us.

“Just having the opportunity to play with someone who pushes the play so fast and doesn’t let his foot off in defence as well.

“That is something that is important to our group on the international stage, especially in tournaments like that where you can’t switch off because a game could be your last.”

Simmons remains “hopeful” of making his maiden Olympic appearance for Australia after being named in a strong 24-man squad this week.

Simmons is ‘hopeful’ of playing for Australia. Picture: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

According to Landale, the Boomers playing group remains confident that the Melbourne-born NBA star will don the green and gold in Tokyo.

“Hopefully, it (Ben playing) happens,” Landale said.

“From the short conversations that I’ve had with other teammates, I think they are thinking it is looking good for us.

“We’ll see what happens.

“A lot can change in the current climate with COVID, so a lot of things can impact his decision, but I think we’re in a good spot right now.

“I hope it happens because Ben brings so much to the court.

“He is so much more than the All-Star that we all know him as.

“Having been out there would be massive for us, as everyone knows, there are no questions there.”

Originally published as Ben Simmons a ‘massive’ inclusion as the Boomers chase first medal according to rising big man Jock Landale