Australia’s Boomers were evacuated from their team hotel in Japan on Thursday night following a wayward missile strike from North Korea ahead of their World Cup campaign, tipping off AEST tonight.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup is hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, with the Boomers based in Okinawa ahead of tonight’s first group game against Finland and then tough matches against Germany and Japan.
The Boomers players and coaching staff were awakened at 4 a.m. Thursday in Okinawa, disturbed by a nearby missile launched from North Korea that triggered emergency evacuation warnings.
Okinawa residents received the emergency alert through their phones at night, stating “Emergency Alert: Missile Launch.” Rocket launch. It is believed that a missile was launched from North Korea.”
Just 13 minutes later, another message came in: “Rocket passed. Rocket over. It is believed that the previous missile hit the Pacific Ocean around 4 a.m.
“We will cancel the evacuation call. Never approach anything suspicious and contact the police and fire brigade immediately.’
Australian Boomers point guard Patty Mills and his teammates evacuated from their team hotel ahead of the World Cup over a North Korean missile scare
It was North Korea’s second attempt to launch a spy satellite into orbit. The first attempt was in May and also ended in failure when the new Chollima-1 rocket crashed into the sea.
South Korean cities, including the capital Seoul, were also evacuated.
Japanese cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the repeated missile launches posed a threat to regional security.
“We will vigorously protest against North Korea and condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
It wasn’t ideal preparation for basketball’s flagship game, where the Boomers look to cement their reputation as one of the world’s rising powerhouses with another deep run in a major tournament.
After a semi-final appearance at the 2019 World Cup with bronze at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Brian Goorjian’s men are once again one of the big players in Japan.
However, they will first have to get out of a difficult group with Germany and the host country, together with Finland.
A man walks past a television screen showing a news broadcast featuring file footage of a North Korean missile test
Police officers direct traffic at the start of the evacuation test at Gwanghwamun Plaza/Station in Seoul, South Korea
The early morning disruption was the last thing Boomers coach Brian Goorjian needed as the Aussies tried to navigate a tricky group stage at the World Cup.
But coach Goorjian admitted they had bigger goals than just surviving the group stage.
“We look forward to the challenge ahead,” he said.
“We have introduced some exciting new players to the group and developed a style of play, both offensively and defensively, that we will take into the tournament.
“Obviously it’s a tough tournament, but we’re confident in our blueprint of what we need to do to take gold.”
They go into their opening game against Finland as heavy favourites, but will have to hold off Utah Jazz shooter Lauri Markkanen if they want to get the job done.
The reigning NBA Most Improved Player dropped a career-high 25.6 points per game last season for the Jazz in an All-Star campaign and is clearly his squad’s big hope.
There is a sense of intrigue surrounding the lineups Goorjian will produce, with the Boomers forced to play a small ball following the late injury withdrawal of center Jock Landale.
NBA star Jock Landale was injured by a huge blow to the Aussies on the eve of the World Cup
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (left) will be a big addition for the Boomers after being ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics
Jack White (right) will be the man tasked with filling the injured Jock Landale’s big boots for the Aussies
Without Landale, the 211cm beast Duop Reath is the only traditional tall player on the roster, with Goorjian suggesting that 201cm Jack White could be someone who could pick up his minutes.
Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman, who previously managed the Boomers, suggested former striker White was lurking as a long-term option for the side.
“Obviously Landale got that injury, so sad for him (considering) how dominant I thought he would have been at this World Cup,” he said.
“But to have Jack as the guy coming into the Boomers program and what he’s going to do not just during this championship, but for several years as a Boomer, is a great start for him.”
Australia will face Finland at 6pm on Friday before playing against Germany on Sunday and Japan on Tuesday.
Spain are the defending champions after beating Argentina in the final, while France have beaten Australia in the third place play-offs.