IN their final match on home soil prior to the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup, the Australian Boomers got themselves back on the winners list at John Cain Arena on Thursday.
After falling to Brazil on Wednesday night with a disappointing offensive performance, the Boomers found their mojo again with a big win over South Sudan to round out this portion of the Boomers vs. World series.
Although their lack of form shooting the ball threatened to trickle into Thursday’s game, the Aussies got going offensively with a big first half to emphatically announce Wednesday’s loss was an exception rather than the rule.
Although the result was ideal for Australia as they depart for Japan today, the win was soured by an injury to starting centre Jock Landale.
The big man came into the preseason series under an injury cloud, but looked to have his worries behind him by starting on Thursday night. However, Landale rolled his ankle in the first quarter, with scans confirming he will now miss the World Cup as a result.
The 12-man squad is confirmed now, with Landale the unlucky member of the 13 to remain in Australia as the Boomers begin their quest for gold against the world’s best.
Now more important than ever, big man Duop Reath rounded out a solid tournament with 15 points and six rebounds, and looms as crucial to Australia’s big man stocks due to the injury to Landale. Matisse Thybulle looks to have another big impact at international level if his performance against South Sudan is anything to go by, top-scoring with 17 points (5/6 3PT).
Also impressing for the Aussies were Xavier Cooks and Patty Mills (11 points apiece), while Josh Green returned from an elbow injury successfully, playing 27 minutes and looking ready for the big time in Japan. Veterans Joe Ingles and Chris Goulding were both rested.
The Boomers have two games remaining before the tournament officially begins, as preparations ramp up even further with the squad locked in. Australia will take on France on Sunday afternoon, before the final friendly against Georgia takes place on Tuesday afternoon, with both to be played in France.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup kicks off on Friday, August 25. Tune into Rookie Me Central for wraps of the Boomers’ campaign for a gold medal.
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