Ben Simmons has not been included in Brian Goorjian’s 18-man expanded Boomers roster for the FIBA World Cup in August, but there is still hope the prodigal can make his Australian debut on the showpiece.
The squad featured a host of NBA talent, including rising superstars Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels, along with Olympic bronze medal-winning heroes Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Matthew Dellavedova.
However, it is possible that one NBA player will make way for Simmons on the roster before August, while Matisse ‘Matty T’ Thybulle is not certain to participate in the August World Cup.
The 6-foot (196 cm) swingman was a defensive rock for the Boomers at the Tokyo Olympics, but lingering doubts about his future in the NBA could force him to withdraw from the World Cup.
Thybulle will be a free agent at the end of this NBA season, and if his next contract isn’t secured by World Cup time in August, he may not join the Boomers in the Philippines.
Simmons is working on his back injury and has expressed a desire to play at the FIBA World Cup in August this year, even though he has not been included in the extended roster.
Matisse Thybulle is a free agent and his form has declined, meaning he may not be able to take his place on the Boomers team in an attempt to salvage his NBA career
Boomers boss Brian Goorjian, pictured hugging star point guard Patty Mills, still has some tough decisions to make, with the 18-man squad being reduced to 12 ahead of the World Cup
Plus, there’s a chance Thybulle’s new team might be reluctant to let him play in the tournament.
In addition, Thybulle has had a disappointing season, averaging just 12 minutes compared to at least 20 minutes in the previous three years.
“My plan is to play with the Boomers, but I don’t know how the summer will go with contracts and how the timing works. If everything allows, then the plan is definitely to play at the World Cup,” said Thybulle.
If Thybulle is out, it could pave the way for Simmons to claim his place in the squad for the World Cup.
Simmons was cut from the 2014 World Cup roster and he has since prioritized his NBA commitments.
However, the 26-year-old has now confirmed that he is doing everything he can to get his body in order.
“I’m currently recovering from my back injury and focusing on that completely,” said Simmons.
Despite Simmons’ injury, Boomers coach Brian Goorjian believes the Brooklyn Nets guard has got himself in order before preparing for the upcoming tournament.
‘I think of him [Ben’s] mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape and being ready to play in this [World Cup],’ said Goorjian.
“Our door is always open to him and he has always been honest with me during my time with the Boomers. As we are now, I think there is a very good chance (that he will play at the World Cup).’
If both Simmons and Thybulle are fit and available for the World Cup, it is also likely that an NBL player like veteran Chris Goulding or surprise picks Keanu Pinder and William McDowell-White could lose their spot in the final squad.
“The coaches and I have had a lot of discussions about the right mix, but I’m really happy with where we’ve landed with the guys we’ve selected. There is a good balance on the field,” said Goorjian.
“The fact that it’s been so tough shows how much talent we have in Australian basketball right now.”
Australia will take on Finland, Germany and co-host Japan in Okinawa, with the champion crowned in the Philippines on September 10.
“I always dreamed of playing for the Boomers and representing Australia. So it’s very special to get this opportunity and I’m looking forward to competing in the World Cup,” said Giddey.
“There’s a lot of talent on this team and I think we have a good chance of matching it with any team – I’m excited about the challenge and to see what we can produce on the global stage as a group.”
The final squad will be reduced to 12 players for the World Cup before it expires in August.