Baynes: "It's an honor every time we put on the green and gold"

BOSTON (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - If big man Aron Baynes plays for Australia at the Asian Qualifiers, they would be even more indomitable than they already are.

That, of course, is a possibility this coming summer in both the third and fourth windows of the Asian Qualifiers, and if Baynes, indeed, does suit up for the Boomers, then it would not be a stretch to say that they'd be near impossible to defeat.

It's a prospect that the 6ft 10in (2.08m) center is looking forward to, especially because he is thrilled to reunite with his fellow national team players.

"We love playing for the country, and we're more than willing to give up our summers to go play with our mates," he said. "It's an honor every time we put on the green and gold, and we just love going out there and playing for one another."

He also feels excited about the young players moving up in Australia's national team pool, specifically guys like Ben Simmons, Thon Maker and Mangok Mathiang.

"We understand that there are some young guys coming through," he said. "We have a core group that has been playing a long time, but we could also use an infusion of younger players. We're looking forward to having those players with us in the future."

Despite being away from home, Baynes has also made the extra effort to follow the Boomers' latest campaigns, especially the way they have dominated at the Asia Cup 2017 and the Asian Qualifiers. He is proud of how they have represented the country, and is really appreciative of how they've stepped up in the absence of Australia's NBA talents.

"Definitely I've followed the team in the international scene," he explained. "We've got different guys playing, and they've got the team all on their backs right now. They have to make the most out of this opportunity, and we appreciate all the effort they're putting in right now."

"We love playing for the country, and we're more than willing to give up our summers to go play with our mates,"Aron BaynesAron Baynes

If Baynes and the other national team veterans do make themselves available in the summer, they can join the Boomers in June, July or September. Australia are still set to play Japan and the Philippines in the third window, and they begin their second round fixtures in the fourth window. If and when this transpires, Baynes knows that even if the Boomers' veterans return, the team will still be led by their rising stars.

"The young guys are going to be the focal point for us moving forward," he said. "Hopefully, we can incorporate them in our system really quickly."

FIBA