The Future of the Boomers: Guards and Swingmen
Previously, we discussed the big men who are next in line to step up and be Boomers. Now we avert our gaze to the young guards and swingmen who could help lead Australia into a successful future.
Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles and Ryan Broekhoff have and will continue to be an integral component of the Boomers camp. They should all be a part of the 2019 World Cup, and 2020 Olympic Games. But who is looking to join them when those tournaments come around?
Dante Exum continues to grow for the Utah Jazz. His explosiveness looks to have returned after injuring his ACL. His attack on the rim in his limited playoffs role was particularly impressive.
https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/861759410502225920
Hopefully Exum injuring his knee while in a Boomers singlet doesn't make the Jazz hesitant to let him play for his country. The Victorian will need to continue to grow in strength and toughness to be a force in the international game. However, he looks to be a key piece for Andrej Lemanis going forward.
Despite his height, Ben Simmons fits into this discussion. We have seen at LSU he has the ability to run an offence, while 76ers coach Brett Brown has said on record that he will play him at the point guard.
The 2016 number 1 draft pick has not played in the green and gold since 2013. He decided to withdraw himself from consideration for the Rio Olympics due to the draft. His elite level passing skill, and the ability to defend all positions on the court will be incredibly important whenever he does play for the Boomers again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na6C8x3Un-I&feature=youtu.be&a
It will be interesting to see just how Simmons fits into the system, as there has been little experience with somebody of his skill-set in our national men's program. He is however the calibre of player who is worth accommodating too.
Jack White is another youngster who has the potential to be a well known Boomers name. Standing at 6'7, the Duke Blue Devil has the ability to handle the ball, and guard multiple positions. He has shown explosiveness in the past, and goes to the rim with aggression. His attack on the ball is trademark Boomers basketball, so there is little doubt he would fit well into the program.
Emmett Naar has been quietly plying his trade for Saint Mary's for a number of years now. Last year he averaged 5.6 assists, to go along with close to 10 points per game. Some great output on what was a very good side.
The New South Welshman has the ability to run an offence, whilst also finding his own shot. It is easy to envisage him providing solid minutes off the bench for Andrej Lemanis in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aic453oA650
Some other names that we could potentially see suit up for the Boomers in the coming year include; Deng Adel, Will McDowell-White, Tom Wilson, Dejan Vasiljevic, and Angus Glover.
The future looks bright, with a number of versatile players coming through the ranks. Some of them may have to wait until they are integral parts of the Boomers set-up, however they all have the potential to be exactly that.