AUS - Boomers retain 'slim' hope of Maric playing

LUIZHOU (FIBA World Championship) - Australia are not yet ready to write off the chances of center Aleks Maric playing at the FIBA World Championship.

Having won the tug of war with Serbia for the 25-year-old's services, Australia then learned that Maric was not going to be available for the tournament in Turkey after the effects of a long European season with Partizan Belgrade.

However, with Andrew Bogut missing and Australia in need of help up front, the door is still open for Maric if he can get himself fit in time.

"Aleks is still a chance for the world titles with Australia, but a very slim one and we believe he will be unlikely to be available," a spokesman for Basketball Australia told FIBA.

Maric has represented Australia at youth level but has not previously played for the seniors, and Serbia were still hoping to persuade the dual passport holder to switch alliegances.

However, Maric has recommitted to the Boomers' cause.

Over the weekend, Maric signed a two-year deal with Panathinaikos to resolve his club future.

The move has been seen as a direct response to rivals Olympiacos signing Slovenian veteran Radoslav Nesterovic.

FIBA