Basketball On The Internet.

THE controversy brewing over Patty Mills’ non-selection for the Oceania Series against New Zealand shows an exciting heightened awareness of basketball nationwide.

Basketball fans will always have an opinion but when non-fans of the sport and recent converts are asking questions, that has to be a good thing.

Welcome to the real world of sport.

While the situation with Mills (above) has been well-documented – even I’ve got a piece up today at News Corp on it, with the link at the end of this article – the focus probably needs to shift to who has been selected.

When you’re starting at Andrew Bogut and Matthew Dellavedova – fresh off the NBA Championship Series – and can roll in Dante Exum, the Boomers look in formidable shape.

Then there’s Cam Bairstow, Brock Motum, Ryan Broekhoff, Brad Newley, Nathan Jawai, David Andersen, Chris Goulding and NBL stalwarts Adam Gibson and Damian Martin.

It’s not too shabby.

Playing matches in Europe against Lithuania and Slovenia should sharpen the team for the two-game Oceania qualifier against the Tall Blacks at Rod Laver Arena (August 15) and in Wellington (August 18).

For national coach Andrej Lemanis, coaching the Australian team at the World Uni Games was just what the doctor ordered, allowing him too to shake off any sideline rust.

It also afforded a close up look at potential future Boomer players such as Hugh Greenwood, Mitch Creek, Mangok Mathiang and Deng Deng.

“Hugh is someone who’s obviously been on the edges (of the Boomers program) and it was good to spend time with him and also with Mitch (Creek) to see what he could bring to the table,” Lemanis said.

“It also gave me the chance to get a better understanding and feel for guys such as Mangok and Deng Deng. They are intriguing talents.”

Australia had a 5-3 win-loss record in Korea to finish 10th at the Uni Games, Lemanis saying the team had potential but never truly found its mojo.

The Boomers’ boss said Mathiang and Deng were likely to be in contention for 2020, while US high school sensation and Louisiana State University freshman Ben Simmons might be the blueprint for basketball versatility.

“His skillset allows him to be successful in multiple positions,” Lemanis said, referring to Simmons’ ability to affect the game in many varied ways.

Simmons was a potential “landscape changer” in the same manner a LeBron James or Kevin Durant could influence outcomes through their versatility.

The future looks bright. First there’s the matter of clearing the New Zealand hurdle, of course.

Online

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