FIBA World Cup 2023: Future is still bright for Boomers despite World Cup failure

This group was hailed one of the most talented in the Boomers’ six-decade history - but their campaign can only be viewed as a failure. And this is how they can fix it, writes Matt Logue.

OKINAWA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 01: Australian players look dejected after the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2nd Round Group K game between Slovenia and Australia at Okinawa Arena on September 01, 2023 in Okinawa, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)

“Short-term pain, for long-term gain.”

That’s one way of looking at the Australian Boomers’ 2023 World Cup campaign.

The introduction of debutants, headed by one of world basketball’s most promising talents in Josh Giddey, meant this campaign was always going to possess a transformative element.

But how can you move on to the future if you’re still holding onto the past?

The blending of the next generation – and a new style of play – with the veterans and long existing processes resulted in problematic teething issues at the World Cup.

Granted, it takes time to blend in new players and it was inevitable that we’d see some growing pains.

Australian players look dejected after bombing out of the World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

It’s a valid mindset – and one we’ll accept once the pain and disappointment subsides, but for now the Boomers’ Cup campaign can only be viewed as a failure.

This Australian squad was fairly hailed one of the most talented teams in the program’s six-decade history.

A record nine NBA players – including a potent mix of youth and experience – meant the hype and expectation was completely justified.

Yet, on the big stage and in the big moments when it mattered most, this team couldn’t get the job done.

Admittedly, the margin for error in FIBA basketball is tiny. Literally.

This was on display in the loss to Germany. The Boomers lost by three points to a strong European side, but regardless the basics cost them dearly.

The Aussies started slowly against the Germans, a trend that plagued the team from the World Cup warm-up games in Melbourne.

Then in the clutch, a blur of turnovers, missed free-throws and defensive assignments resulted in a heartbreaking loss.

The Boomers were right there, but at this level, and against the top teams, the smaller details are difference. Game over. Fighting for your World Cup lives.

Is this the wakeup call the Boomers need?

The short answer is: yes. The historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, following six decades of pain, gave Australia the global credit the program had longed for.

As a result, the Boomers were expected to continue the upwards trajectory.

This was especially the case given the strong NBA contingent – including the blooding of debutants like Giddey, Josh Green and Xavier Cooks.

Josh Giddey for the Boomers. Picture: Getty Images

In the end, this team didn’t quite find its mojo on the court as planned. The pre-tournament ankle injury to Jock Landale didn’t help and they missed his big man presence in the paint badly.

The likes of Duop Reath, Nick Kay and Cooks – did their best to fill the void, but Landale’s absence proved profound.

Boomers great Andrew Bogut also noted that the side didn’t quite come together on the court, as hoped for.

“Something just didn’t fit with this team,” Bogut tweeted.

“Nothing looked easy for the Boomers.”

Bogut’s spot on.

The passing of the torch to the Boomers becoming Giddey’s team, in terms of him being the on-court conductor, was always going to take time.

The rising NBA star was brilliant on debut, but the Australians as a collective didn’t quite click in the major moments.

It must also be said: did the Boomers miss the boat on not introducing Giddey into the program at the Tokyo Olympics? If he is the future, pick him now and get the transformative process started sooner.

The Boomers’ offence also never really reached its peak. Dating back to the warm-up games, it often looked clunky and there was a general consensus about where the team’s shots would come from.

The Boomers want to retain the “Rose Gold” generation for as long as they can, but is it realistic with the younger generation knocking on the door?

For Paris next year, maybe, but beyond that it’s unlikely.

Who is to blame?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one person – this is multi-layered.

You could highlight poor turnovers and shooting from players, the coaching staff could have made better decisions on rotations at stages, but regardless this failed campaign came down to an inability to nail the clutch.

It doesn’t help in the immediate, but the players and coaching staff are fully aware of their failings in the context of FIBA’s minimal margin for error.

Head coach Brian Goorjian after the loss. Picture: Getty Images

They need to be better – especially in the big moments when the lights shine the brightest - and they know it.

The spotlight will come on individuals as we approach, especially some of the older players as the Boomers hone in on the future.

Can it be fixed for Paris?

Absolutely, but the Boomers need to make some big decisions moving forward.

Ben Simmons has declared his desire to play at the Paris Olympics – and if he is fit and willing to buy in – then he is a must selection.

Simmons’ size, ability to run the floor and his world-class defence would be a game-changer for the Boomers.

At this point, you could easily say there are only four certain starters for Paris: Giddey, Mills, Landale and Green.

Outside of that – positions are up for grabs and tough decisions need to be made.

The future direction of the Boomers is clear.

Giddey is the team’s conductor – the man with the ball in his hand.

As he showed at the World Cup, the OKC Thunder star asserted himself as a physical force getting to the rim.

The Boomers discovered their “blueprint” to success at the World Cup when debutants Giddey, Green and Cooks combined to put on a show at both ends of the floor.

If Australia wants to lean in on the future – then they need to go the whole way.

This was shown in Friday’s loss to Slovenia when veteran Joe Ingles played more minutes than Green, despite Ingles scoring zero points in his 26 minutes on the floor.

It’s now on Boomers coach Brian Goorjian- and his staff, to make tough calls heading into Paris.

The future of Australian basketball is here, but we can only move forward if we fully embrace it.

Originally published as FIBA World Cup 2023: Future is still bright for Boomers despite World Cup failure