What lies ahead: Takeaways from the Boomers vs World warmup games

The loss of a pivotal piece, a change in play style and more. What awaits Australia in the coming FIBA 2023 World Cup?

Credit: FIBA

The Australian Boomers are now in Asia and the FIBA 2023 World Cup is just days away.

The team has just completed three warmup matches in Melbourne —two victories over Venezuela and South Sudan, bracketing a defeat to Brazil— with unfortunate injuries being the pressing takeaway as the tournament approaches.

Losing Landale

Jock Landale won’t be with the Boomers at the World Cup. Early in Thursday evening's game again South Sudan, the big man suffered a severe left ankle twist, leaving Australia missing one of their most pivotal players. Landale’s ailment further deepens the void in frontcourt depth, which was already a weaker area of the roster.

What does Landale’s absence tangibly mean for the next three weeks?

The above commentary from Andrew Bogut was posted just hours before Landale rolled his ankle, and his comments appear even more apt after the fact. I agree with everything Bogut posted here. Landale was going to be a vital part of the Boomers’ quest for a gold medal, and is the most talented FIBA five man in Australia. Brian Goorjian is now faced with a genuine conundrum.