Team profile: Australia looking to keep podium streak alive

OKINAWA (Japan) - Australia will look to add another coveted prize in international basketball to a collection that has grown in recent years when they play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

The Roster

Australia's roster is full of NBA players for the World Cup, including some that claimed the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Josh Green, Matisse Thybulle, Dante Exum, and Jock Landale.

Rising star Josh Giddey, as well as Dyson Daniels, Xavier Cooks, and Duop Reath, are also on the roster. Veteran Chris Goulding is expected to provide more leadership for the youth-laden crew led by coach Brian Goorjian.

That is a lot of star power in one squad.

The Question

Can the Boomers keep trending upwards?

After capturing the title at their first FIBA Asia Cup tournament in 2017, and finishing fourth at the 2019 World Cup in China, Australia had a major breakthrough at the Tokyo Olympics by winning the bronze medal. It was their first podium finish at a World Cup or Olympic Games.

However, the double-overtime setback to eventual champions Spain in the Semi-Finals of the 2019 World Cup is proof that Australia could have done better. The country had an abundance of talent at the event will have even more in Okinawa, where they will take on Japan, Finland and Germany in the First Round.

It's certainly not hard to envision the Boomers making their way to the Final or even winning it all. But can they turn that vision into reality?

The Hope

Maybe we need to talk a bit more about Josh Giddey.

In the first friendly game for the Boomers on August 14, Giddey almost had a triple-double (14 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in 24 minutes) while Australia easily won against Venezuela, 97-41. Giddey, 20, had six turnovers but he looked every bit like the player that can help Australia reach new heights.

The next preparation games could provide more confirmation, but the young man loves to play FIBA basketball, even citing that he enjoys the physicality of the game.

The Fear

Australia are in Group E, widely considered as a 'group of death'.

They have grown familiar with Akatsuki Japan due to numerous battles in the past, yet the same can't be said about their familiarity with Germany or Finland, who are both coming off successful campaigns at FIBA EuroBasket 2022.

Markkanen can go for 40 against anybody. And Germany has had impressive performances in the buildup for the World Cup, including two against Canada, splitting the games with a team that many believe will reach the podium. How will the reigning two-time Asia Cup champions respond?

On August 16th, the Boomers lost at home a friendly game against Brazil (86-90). Giddey was brilliant once again (20-10-4) but Patty Mills was cold from three (2/12) and the defense suffered a lot against a very athletic Bruno Caboclo (20 points, 12 boards and 5 blocks).

A good wake-up call for the group?

IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS

YEAR	EVENT	LOCATION	ACHIEVEMENT
2022	FIBA Asia Cup	Jakarta (INA)	1st
2021	Olympics	Tokyo (JPN)	3rd
2019	FIBA Basketball World Cup	Beijing (CHN)	4th
2017	FIBA Asia Cup	Beirut (LBN)	1st
2016	Olympics	Rio de Janeiro (BRA)	4th
2015	FIBA Oceania Championship	Australia (AUS)/New Zealand (NZL)	1st
2014	FIBA Basketball World Cup	Madrid (ESP)	12th
2013	FIBA Oceania Championship	Australia (AUS)/New Zealand (NZL)	9th
2012	Olympics	London (GBR)	7th
2011	FIBA Oceania Championship	Australia (AUS)	1st

The Poll

 

More?

For a deeper look on Australia's journey to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, click here.

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