Basketball On The Internet.

HALL of Famer KEN COLE writes for Basketball On The Internet with a message to the Boomers:

THERE is no doubt in my mind that we can and should win a medal at the World Cup.

I believe that Patty Mills is so good that Olympic success is guaranteed, so now let's trust Matt to drive us to the top three.

There is no doubt we are that good.

The key is can we finally become mentally tough?

Historically, we never have been.

We always play a sloppy two-three minutes a half.

Play every single play as if it's THE biggest.

Play with maximum passion whether you play three minutes or 33 minutes - you all WIN or lose together.

Every player on this team can play great defence. All it takes is TOTAL commitment.

Listen to what Coach wants, then work out how to maximise your talents within this framework.

You are not used to sitting on the bench but you can do it.

Don't be a cheerleader. Watch every play looking for weakness so that when you go in you are ready to strike.

Trust each other. Make every opponent pay a heavy physical price.

You are deeper in talent than anyone outside of the USA.

Time for us to step up.

We are good enough to NEVER BE OUT OF THE TOP THREE IN THE WORLD.

I'm sure I do speak for all of us fans in wishing you all GOOD LUCK.

Briefly on the NBL: Tim Hudson has established himself as our first Pat Riley by putting together a dynamite team in Sydney and it will be fantastic for everyone.

They are, along with the superb Perth, continuing to raise the bar.

I think Adelaide desperately needed Daniel Johnson.

I was truly disappointed he didn't make the Australian team.

I think his relaxed style masks how good he really is.

DJ is capable of averaging 30ppg in Coach Wright's system, so if possible, find a way to bring him back or it could be a tough year.

All teams look stronger.

Melbourne also is ready.

You know my dream was always to use the NCAA to raise our standards and then bring the players home to play in the NBL.

Does anyone dispute that if all of our international players come home, plus more than 100 in college, plus the huge local pool, that our league would not be the best outside the NBA?

Now let's talk about ourselves like this, chase local and international TV, and find the money.

This can all be done within 2-3 years.