Matisse Thybulle has been a shock omission from the final 12-man Boomers roster for the men's basketball competition at the Paris Olympics.
The 27-year-old, who was part of the side that won the bronze medal in Tokyo, was expected to be named in the side due to his defensive ability and NBA experience, however coach Brian Goorjian decided to cut him and other in-form players including Chris Goulding and Xavier Cooks.
Veteran's Patty Mills and Joe Ingles have been selected for a fifth Olympics campaign, with Josh Giddey being the main man in the eight player NBA contingent in the squad.
The Boomers will now go to Abu Dhabi to continue their preparations for the Games, which begin in late July.
MORE: Boomers record at the Olympics
Australian Boomers roster for the Olympics
| Name | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Dyson Daniels | G | New Orleans Pelicans (USA) |
| Matt Dellavedova | PG | Melbourne United (AUS) |
| Dante Exum | G/F | Dallas Mavericks (USA) |
| Josh Giddey | PG | Chicago Bulls (USA) |
| Josh Green | G/F | Dallas Mavericks (USA) |
| Joe Ingles | SF | Minnesota Timberwolves (USA) |
| Nick Kay | PF | Shimane Susanoo Magic (JPN) |
| Jock Landale | C | Houston Rockets (USA) |
| Will Magnay | C | Tasmania JackJumpers (AUS) |
| Jack McVeigh | SF | Tasmania JackJumpers (AUS) |
| Patty Mills | SG | Miami Heat (USA) |
| Duop Reath | PF | Portland Trailblazers (USA) |
With Thybulle being out of the side, there are now significant concerns about Australia's defensive capabilities, with Thybulle being seen as a lynchpin to the Boomers defence.
This means extra responsibility will fall on Josh Green to fill this role in the team, and there will be pressure on the likes of Nick Kay and Will Magnay to justify their selections, with discussion centred around how the likes of Goulding and Cooks were unfortunate not to be selected.
Australia Boomers draw, schedule for Paris Olympics
Australia Boomers draw, schedule for Paris Olympics
The Boomers have a very tough group, coming up against Canada, Greece and Spain in Group A.
Their first game on 27th July will be against Spain, who they lots of Olympic history with, before they face Canada on 30th July.
Their third and final match of the group stage will be against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
The gold medal match for the tournament is taking place on 10th August.
| Date | Match | Time (AEST) | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 27 | Australia vs Spain | 7:00 p.m. | Pierre Mauroy Stadium |
| July 30 | Australia vs Canada | 7:00 p.m. | Pierre Mauroy Stadium |
| August 2 | Australia vs Greece | 9:30 p.m. | Pierre Mauroy Stadium |
Boomers' best finish at the Olympics
Australia finally broke their medal drought at the last Olympics in Tokyo, as they defeated Slovenia 107-93 in the bronze-medal match thanks to herculean effort from Patty Mills, who scored 42 points.
It was the Boomers' best tournament in terms of wins, as they were undefeated until the semi-finals, where they were eventually overhauled by winners USA.
Despite coming up against NBA superstar Luka Doncic, the Slovenians were no match for Mills and his Australian teammates, as they put the hoodoo to bed once and for all.
It caused scenes of great joy back in Australia, with legendary player, coach and pundit Andrew Gaze reduced to tears after the game in describing how much the win meant to the Australian basketball community.
