” We needed to compete at a world-class level and this pre-Olympic programme will set the tone. “, Brian Goorjian said ahead of hostilities. At the end of June, his Boomers began their Olympic preparation with a double confrontation against Japan.
With the modest result of a victory by a small point (90-89) and a match that ended in a perfect tie (95-95, without overtime because it was a friendly match). The next two matches against China left less room for suspense with successes of +20 (107-87), and +33 points (91-58).
The rest of the game looks set to be much tougher for Australia than these two Asian teams. They head to Abu Dhabi where the Boomers will face Team USA on Tuesday, then Serbia the following day. That is, ” an important step for the team, which will have to find its rhythm ” ten days before the Games, noted the coach.
Finding their identity
” For us, it's about facing the best possible competition, as early as possible. “, Today's judge Jock Landalewhose team, 5th in the FIBA ranking, will challenge the number 1 team (the Americans) and the team that recently moved ahead of Australia in the ranking.
“ It kind of helps us purge our group and figure out what works and what doesn't, especially against the teams that are going to be competing at the end. It's a great opportunity for us to find our identity and figure out what we're trying to accomplish. I think over time, these games will kind of define our tournament. “, continues the Rockets interior.
The implication is: Will Australia be able to compete with the best in the medal race? Or, like the last World Cup where it finished 10th, will it stop prematurely?
An elite defense
” We play two very good teams. Obviously, the United States with all their stars. But also Serbia, a team that has been playing at a high level in world basketball for some time. It's a good thing to have two different styles of basketball to face. “, adds Dante Exum, whose team would already be at the level in defense.
” Defensively, we are a top team that can really hold our own against the best. We have ticked an important box, which is effort. That is something that sometimes you can't teach. For us, that is 90% of the battle. On offense, it is simply a matter of finding the structure that best suits our group, that is always the challenge with any team. “, says Jock Landale.
The Boomers have every interest in finding their balance before arriving in Paris. Because within their frightening group of groups – Spain, Canada, Greece – they will not have the right to make a mistake from the first days of competition.
