Australian Boomers star Jock Landale lands NBA deal with San Antonio Spurs

Making an impression in front of Team USA and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has worked out super well for one Australian Olympic star.

Jock Landale is headed to the NBA. Picture: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Playing in front of legendary San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich in Tokyo has paid off for Boomers big man Jock Landale, who is NBA bound after signing a two-year deal with the Spurs.

On the same day Australian teammate Patty Mills officially left the Spurs after 10 seasons to sign a two-year $16m deal at Brooklyn, Landale has linked with the five-time champions.

He will play under Popovich at the Spurs, a man he will face when the Boomers take on a Popovich-coached Team USA in Thursday’s Tokyo Olympic semi-final.

Landale’s rise to the NBA is a reward for his standout NBL season with Melbourne United, where he went on to win the championship and was named grand final MVP.

He averaged 16.4 points, including 54.4 per cent from the field, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks for United during their title-winning run.

Landale has also excelled for the Boomers during Australia’s undefeated Tokyo Olympic campaign.

He has stood out with his presence in the paint in defence, regularly coming up big with rebounds and blocks.

So pumped for @JockLandale!!!

Congrats brother 👊🏻

— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) August 4, 2021

Congratulations to Australian superstar @JockLandale who is joining the San Antonio @Spurs!

A big time, well-deserved move to the @NBA for Jock! #SIGFampic.twitter.com/wsK28oOqmM

— SIG Sports (@SIGSports) August 4, 2021

Hell Yes @JockLandale !!!!

Much deserved. https://t.co/fvrNT8Uwi8

— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) August 4, 2021

Landale has also offered a lot offensively for the Boomers, particularly with his ability to knock down shots from range.

His Spurs signing prompted a flood of praise online, including tweets from United and the NBL.

One of Landale’s biggest fans, mentor Andrew Bogut, was particularly pumped for the rising Australian big to join the world’s best basketball league.

“Hell yes, Jock Landale,” Bogut tweeted.

“Much deserved.”