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‘A big addition’: Goorjian confident Ben Simmons will join Boomers in time for Olympics
By Sarah Keoghan and Sam Phillips
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian is confident Ben Simmons will play in the Olympics and boost Australia’s medal chances, but Andrew Bogut believes the appearance of Australia’s NBA All-Star in Tokyo is still a coin toss.
Simmons’ Philadelphia 76ers are expected to go deep in the NBA playoffs this year, with the last possible game set for July 22 - a day out from the Opening Ceremony.
Despite the tight schedule, Goorjian said he spoke to Simmons himself five weeks ago and his manager just two weeks ago, and both reaffirmed the NBA star’s commitment to the Boomers.
Simmons was named as part of a 24-man squad in February, and his addition would be a huge boost for Australia’s medal chance. But the Melbourne-born 24-year-old has yet to play for the Boomers.
“I’m organising things and putting things together in the mindset that he will be with us,” Goorjian said.
“It’s a big addition because of who he is basketball-wise and player-wise, but also long term culture-wise. I definitely feel good about it. The response from him has been very very good.”
Simmons had previously hoped to play at the Rio Olympics, and the last two FIBA World Cups in 2014 and 2019.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons (25) goes up for a shot.Credit: AP
But he failed to make the World Cup team in 2014 and withdrew from consideration for the 2016 Olympics, and the 2019 World Cup, to prepare for upcoming NBA seasons.
Bogut, who attended a sponsor’s launch with Nick Kyrgios at Bondi Icebergs on Thursday, had a more circumspect view when asked about the likelihood of Simmons’ inclusion.
“From all the reports that I’ve heard, he will play, but we also heard that in 2019,” Bogut said.
“Until he’s there, in camp, finishes camp and then travels overseas, you’re 50-50 with it. We hope he plays but it’s one of those things that we really won’t know until he does.”
Andrew Bogut of Australia puts up a shot over Amath M’Baye, left, and Evan Fournier of France during their third placing match for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.Credit: AP
Regarded as one of the all-time great Boomers, Bogut has been playing the role of a sounding board for Goorjian and Basketball Australia in the lead up to the Olympics after retiring from the game last year.
Despite the Boomers first appearing in the Olympics in 1956 they have not yet won a medal. Bogut said Simmon’s presence would be a major factor in whether Australia can break the drought.
“In these tournaments, one bad game can set you back. One good game can propel you to a gold medal game,” Bogut said.
“For us, it’s about whether Ben Simmons plays or not - whether he puts his hand up for the first time and wants to play for Australia in a major tournament.”
Ahead of the Olympics, Goorjian will be setting up a seven-day pre-Olympic training camp at the start of July.
Players and staff will meet in LA to get to know one another before hopping on a plane to Las Vegas to play a number of pre-games before heading to the Olympic Village.
The camp will be a “drop-in” type set up and is not mandatory.
This week, Andrew Bogut joined Tennis legend Nick Kyrgios at Bondi Icebergs in Sydney, which was drained and transformed into a basketball court in celebration of the NBA’s partnership with Hennessy.