The Australian Boomers are once again participating at the men's basketball tournament in Paris, as they look to repeat their performance from Tokyo, which saw them end their long medal drought.
Veterans of that squad Patty Mills and Joe Ingles are there, and are joined by new talent in Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, but they face a very difficult task in repeating their exploits, having been handed a difficult group.
The Sporting News looks at who the Boomers will come up against in Paris.
MORE: Why Matisse Thybulle wasn't picked for the Olympics | Boomers Olympics history and record
Who do the Boomers play at the Olympics?
The Boomers have been handed a tough draw in Group A of the Olympics, being pitted against Spain, Canada and Greece.
Whilst Spain's squad may lack the star power it has possessed in previous years, they are still a formidable opponent who have got the better of the Boomers in past Olympics campaigns.
Canada is one of the strongest and best all-round teams at the tournament, being led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, but also having the likes of RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks in the team.
Greece then has one of the best players in the world in Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the Boomers needing to be at their best to guard the superstar.
Australia Boomers draw, schedule for Paris Olympics
The Boomers first game of the Olympics will take place on on July 27 against Spain, who famously defeated them in the 2016 bronze medal match.
They then face Canada on July 30 in what could be their toughest match of the group,
Their third and final match of the group stage will be against Greece, where the Boomers will hope to be in a strong position to qualify from the group and not be relying on other results to secure their passage to the quarter-finals.
The gold medal match for the tournament is taking place on 10th August.
| Date | Game | Time (AEST) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Australian Boomers Olympic roster
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 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.
Despite Thybulle not being selected, the Boomers' Olympic roster contains a strong collection of NBA talent, from veterans Patty Mills and Joe Ingles to young rising stars such as Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey.
Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay will both fly the flag for the NBL - and the Tasmania JackJumpers - at the Games, as well as their Grand Final opponent in the return of Boomers icon Matthew Dellavedova.
| Name | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Dyson Daniels | G | New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) |
| Matt Dellavedova | PG | Melbourne United (NBL) |
| Dante Exum | G/F | Dallas Mavericks (NBA |
| Josh Giddey | PG | Chicago Bulls (NBA) |
| Josh Green | G/F | Dallas Mavericks (NBA) |
| Joe Ingles | SF | Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) |
| Nick Kay | PF | Shimane Susanoo Magic (JPN) |
| Jock Landale | C | Houston Rockets (NBA) |
| Will Magnay | C | Tasmania JackJumpers(NBL) |
| Jack McVeigh | SF | Tasmania JackJumpers (NBL) |
| Patty Mills | SG | Miami Heat (NBA) |
| Duop Reath | PF | Portland Trailblazers (NBA) |
2024 Men's Olympic basketball Gold medal odds
| Team | Odds |
| USA | $1.15 |
| Canada | $12 |
| Serbia | $15 |
| France | $15 |
| Germany | $17 |
| Greece | $34 |
| Australia | $34 |
| Spain | $51 |
| Brazil | $101 |
| South Sudan | $151 |
| Puerto Rico | $201 |
| Japan | $251 |
