Goorjian keeps eye on NBL for Games spots

Australian Boomers coach, Brian Goorjian, and his staff will keep his eye on the next few rounds of the NBL competition in order to fill the final few places in the Commonwealth Games squad, which was announced by Basketball Australia today.

The squad of 20 sees Chris Anstey, Tony Ronaldson and Sam Mackinnon recalled to help bolster the team which will be missing Andrew Bogut, David Andersen, Matt Nielsen, Wade Helliwell, and Luke Schenscher due to their commitments with their respective clubs and teams overseas.

“We realise there are still a few holes to fill in this squad and will be watching the NBL with interest over coming rounds,” Goorjian said.

“We are pleased to have the experience of players like Anstey and Mackinnon returning to the squad as we are committed to fielding the strongest team possible for the Commonwealth Games in March.”

The squad is a good mix of the old and new guard, with Athens Olympians CJ Bruton, Glen Saville and Jason Smith helping the transition between the younger and older players.

Squad selection rewards outstanding players from the NBL season, with standouts Mark Worthington, Brad Newley, James Harvey, Jacob Holmes and David Barlow making the cut. The depth of talent in this season’s NBL has allowed Goorjian to name a talented mix of athletes.

“Fans of the NBL will know how exciting the season has been so far and will recognise the athletes in this squad as the standouts from the 10 rounds so far,” Goorjian said.

“Selection in this squad will give those players more experience and the chance to play for their country in front of a home crowd.”

The squad will train on the Central Coast from December 4 – 6, before the final team is announced in mid February by the Australian Commonwealth Games Association.

Australian Boomers squad:
CJ Bruton (Sydney Kings), Jacob Holmes (Adelaide 36ers), Glen Saville (Wollongong Hawks), Jason Smith (Sydney Kings), Mark Worthington (Sydney Kings), Peter Crawford (Perth Wildcats), Brad Davidson (Hunter Pirates), Brad Newley (Townsville Crocs), Russell Hinder (Hunter Pirates), Oscar Forman (Adelaide 36ers), David Barlow (Sydney Kings), Greg Vanderjagt (Townsville Crocs), Luke Kendall (Sydney Kings), Pero Vasiljevic (West Sydney Razorbacks), Sam Mackinnon (Brisbane Bullets), Neil Mottram (Melbourne Tigers), Tony Ronaldson (Perth Wildcats), James Harvey (West Sydney Razorbacks), Stephen Black (Brisbane Bullets), Chris Anstey (Melbourne Tigers).

Coaching Staff
Brian Goorjian (head coach), Brendan Joyce (assistant coach), Rob Beveridge (assistant coach), Nic Mercer (operations manager).