Adelaide 36ers NBA draft-bound star Josh Giddey being considered for Boomers selection

Josh Giddey’s eye-catching performances for the Adelaide 36ers have been noticed by Australian officials, who are considering him for Boomers selection.

Josh Giddey is set to be picked in the Boomers’ squad next month. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Adelaide 36ers NBA draft-bound rookie sensation Josh Giddey could be an Olympics bolter, with the rising star in the mix for Boomers’ senior squad selection next month in preparation for the Tokyo Games.

Giddey has been outstanding for the 36ers in his maiden NBL season, averaging 10 points, eight rebounds and 5.5 assists in his opening four games.

The 18-year-old Melbourne-born guard has drawn comparisons to former NBL Next Star and current Charlotte Hornet LaMelo Ball in terms of overall production.

Giddey’s standout form has caught the eye of Boomers officials, who are considering selecting the teen star in the 2021 Australian squad in the coming weeks.

It would be a fitting reward for a player who has proven he has a bright future based on his performances for the 36ers against seasoned professionals.

Giddey is also no stranger to the international stage having made his debut for Australia during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification.

He dropped 11 points, six assists and three rebounds in just 11 minutes to help Australia beat Hong Kong.

As a result, he became the youngest player to play for the national team since current NBA All-Star Ben Simmons in 2013.

Adelaide 36ers NBA draft-bound rookie sensation Josh Giddey is in the mix to be selected in the Boomers’ senior squad next month. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Giddey is receiving rave reviews from respected NBA watchers in America as he looks to be selected in the 2021 NBA draft, scheduled for November 18.

Giddey has also benefited from the advice of Australian NBA star Joe Ingles during his start to the NBL season.

Ingles revealed he had been helping the teen navigate the early days of his professional basketball career.

“I’ve spoken to Josh a lot over the last couple of years and tried to help him,” Ingles said on the NBL’s The Huddlepodcast.

“I texted him after the last game and said, ‘Hey I’ve got some things for you whenever we can (talk)’. We are both on busy schedules, and he was like, ‘Hell yeah, I’ll call you after the game’.

“I was like, ‘No you just won in overtime, relax and enjoy the game’.

“The bigs can help, he can help himself, him and (Donald) Sloan playing together, they can get each other very easy baskets. Over time he will learn and have the confidence … just making those reads and he will continue to get better and better.”

ESPN has Giddey ranked at 39 in their 2021 NBA Draft rankings, but he moved up to 22 on the draft big board after his starring role with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in Wednesday night’s big win over the New Zealand Breakers.