Tara Murray
Josh Giddey is one step closer to being part of the Australian Boomers team for this year’s World Cup after being named in an 18-man squad ahead of the event.
The former Yarraville local made his debut for the Boomers in 2021, before he was one of the last players cut from the Boomers’ Olympic team last year.
He has since further developed and played a key role in the Oklahoma City Thunder making the NBA play-in games, where he scored a career high 31 points.
He averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists a game for the Thunder this season.
Giddey, who is one of the youngest players in the squad, said he was looking forward to representing his country.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Boomers and representing Australia, so to get this opportunity is really special and I’m looking forward to competing at the World Cup,” he said.
“There’s a lot of talent in this squad and I think we’ve got a good chance of matching it with every team – I’m excited for the challenge and to see what we can produce as a group on the world stage.”
Giddey is one of two players from Melbourne’s west named in the squad.
Dante Exum, who grew up in Seabrook, has also been named in the squad. Exum has had a strong season in Europe this year. Exum played both for Wyndham and the Keilor Thunder.
Giddey is one of 10 current NBA players in the squad including Patty Mills, Matisse Thybulle, Joe Ingles, Jock Landale, Josh Green, Matthew Dellavedova, Xavier Cooks, Jack White, Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey.
The extended squad will take part in a training camp in Cairns in the lead up to the World Cup, before the final roster of 12 is named ahead of the team’s opening game in Japan on August 25.
Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian said the extended squad marks another milestone on the road to the World Cup and gives the coaches plenty of options. The Boomers are hoping to go better than the bronze medal they won at the Olympics.
“Pulling together this extended squad has taken time – it’s been a thorough process. The coaches and I have had many discussions about getting the mix right, but I’m really pleased with where we’ve landed with the guys we’ve selected, there’s a good balance across the court,” he said.
“The fact it’s been so tough goes to show the depth of talent we have in Australian basketball right now and this extends back to all the pathway programs, the Centre of Excellence and the dedicated coaches who have been committed to growing our game, setting the standard, and getting us to this position.
“After the draw took place around a week ago and we know who and where we’re playing, we’re excited and eager to get stuck in and prepare for what will be an extremely challenging tournament.”
Tara Murray
