The Australian Boomers are not selecting the best players, but aspire to be the best team
A look into the thought process behind the squad selection, and how the pieces potentially fit.
Credit: Basketball Australia
This guest piece is from kelly (@kuroemonba), whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in person earlier this year. #AussieHoops fans in the Twitterverse (Xverse?) will be very familiar with his artwork on Matthew Dellavedova and Australian basketball too. It’s our pleasure to welcome and share his debut piece around a positive narrative for the Boomers’ squad selection this campaign.
Enjoy! - Kein
Introduction
The final 12-man roster for the Australian men's basketball team, commonly known as the Boomers, for the Paris Olympics was decided on the morning of Friday, 5th July.
Credit: @australianboomers on Instagram
After finishing 10th in last year's World Cup, head coach Brian Goorjian spoke about three issues with the team: shooting, defensive ball pressure, and rebounding. He stated that the team needed big men and some shooters. As we approach the Paris Olympics, how has the roster been changed to address these issues?
First, let's look at the changes in the members from last year's World Cup.
Out:
Xavier Cooks
Chris Goulding
Matisse Thybulle
Jack White
In:
Matthew Dellavedova
Jock Landale
Will Magnay
Jack McVeigh
While the return of starting centre Jock Landale —who was forced to withdraw last year due to an injury just before the tournament— was expected, many were surprised by the exclusion of elite players in their respective fields: the team’s best shooter Chris Goulding, their best defender Matisse Thybulle, and, at least for last summer's World Cup, their best rebounder in Xavier Cooks.
Upon hearing the issues were shooting, defence, and rebounding, one might naturally think these three players would be the solution. Additionally, there was considerable criticism for cutting Thybulle and Cooks, who are expected to play key roles in the team's future, in favour of bringing back veterans like Matthew Dellavedova and Joe Ingles. This seemingly puzzling selection could hold clues to the vision the Australian men’s team aims to achieve, and I find myself writing this with that thought in mind.
Let's review what transpired during the player selection process, based on the exhibition match against China held at the beginning of July.
Jack McVeigh’s emergence
One undeniable factor that complicated this year’s roster selection: Jack McVeigh.
The forward, who combines highly accurate three-point shooting with scoring ability around the restricted area, led the Tasmania JackJumpers to victory in the NBL last season, and he was named the Finals MVP, making him one of the hottest local players at the moment. Standing at 203 cm, with the ability to create shots from anywhere and a fearless approach, he undoubtedly possesses what the Australian team lacked at last summer's World Cup. It is understandable that he made it to the final selection alongside NBA-experienced players.
The remaining challenge was proving he could demonstrate his shooting skills within that talented Boomers team. In his debut match with the squad against China on Tuesday, 2nd July, he quickly proved his ability by scoring a team-high 24 points, including six three-pointers, in just 13 minutes.
Moreover, the nature of his scoring was remarkable. In addition to his specialty in catch-and-shoot threes, he also made pullup shots in transition and moving three-pointers using a pindown screen. It was surprising to see the taller McVeigh effortlessly executing plays reminiscent of those often displayed by Patty Mills. Sensing the shot clock was running low, he sank a fadeaway while posting up one-on-one, and towards the end, used his hot three-point shooting as a decoy to drive to the basket for a layup. In one night, McVeigh ascended from being the ace of a small Australian island state, to a strong candidate for the national team. His emergence as a new utility player who can play both on the wing and inside, suddenly jeopardised the positions of existing power forwards like Nick Kay and Xavier Cooks.
Nick Kay is a consistently reliable power forward with high decision-making skills on both offence and defence. Although he does not possess exceptional athleticism, his stamina, quick decision-making, and high-accuracy three-point shooting allows him to outperform opponents. Most importantly, his experience in major tournaments is significantly higher than that of the other two.
On the other hand, Xavier Cooks is known for his dynamic play, leveraging his athleticism. Many Japanese basketball fans might remember last year's World Cup, where Australia defeated Japan, led by Cooks’ rebounding and transition plays.
Although he lacks an outside shot, his rebounding ability and sharp drives from the high post were crucial in igniting the team’s often stagnant offence. Both are undoubtedly attractive pieces, but the emergence of Jack McVeigh suddenly raised the possibility that one of these two might have to be excluded from the national team. Ultimately, Nick Kay and Jack McVeigh were selected. What does this mean? We will revisit this topic later.
Dyson Daniels' transition to point guard
The difficulty in finalising the roster was equally present in the backcourt, and Dyson Daniels was possibly at the centre of this issue.
At last year’s World Cup, Daniels secured his first selection by outperforming veteran guard Matthew Dellavedova in the competition for the third guard spot. However, he was unable to challenge the primary point guards, Josh Giddey and Danté Exum, and did not get substantial playing time (2.1 min per game) in the last tournament.
One year later, the first exhibition match against China presented an opportunity for Daniels to showcase his growth; Exum’s absence in that game meant Daniels naturally saw more time as the point guard in the first half. However, Daniels’ role as a point guard was far from functional, and the team continued to have a lacklustre offence. Despite playing 14 minutes, the Australian team only held a narrow three-point lead over China by halftime, highlighting the reality that Daniels still needed more time to grow as a playmaker. Given that he had not been given many opportunities to play in that role even with the New Orleans Pelicans last season, the situation was understandable, which led to the natural conclusion that Daniels might find it difficult to earn minutes in that role in the upcoming tournament. However, an intriguing change occurred in the second game against China. Head coach Brian Goorjian used Dyson Daniels as a combo guard alongside Josh Giddey, Danté Exum, and Matthew Dellavedova.
This new role brought positive results. Utilising his size and footwork, Daniels made a significant impact on defence, recording four steals, and appeared more relaxed on offence as he was relieved of primary playmaking duties. Playing as a secondary handler, he performed freely, drawing fouls with off-ball cuts and hitting two out of five three-pointers, demonstrating a decent shooting percentage. The idea of using Daniels in positions other than point was likely considered by the coaching staff for a while or tried in practice multiple times. However, this was probably the first time it was tested visibly in a live game, and after the first game showed Daniels wasn’t ready as a backup point guard, this plan B progressed more concretely.
With this adjustment, the Boomers gained a young and talented combo guard but also faced the need to reassess their existing combo guards and wings. The question arose: should the third point guard spot go to the rising star in Dyson Daniels or the experienced veteran Matthew Dellavedova? Dyson was constantly in this binary choice. However, his role shift sparked a new debate on which of Josh Green, Matisse Thybulle, or Dyson Daniels should remain on the roster. All three are elite defenders with excellent athleticism but have challenges in shot creation. Considering just defence, which Goorjian identified as a key area, Thybulle, twice named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, seemed to stand out. Yet, in the end, the two chosen were the others, even though Matisse showed a great defensive performance in game 1 against China.
Now, it’s time to get into the main topic.
Not specialised strengths, but team versatility
The reason for parting ways with Matisse Thybulle, Xavier Cooks, Chris Goulding, and Jack White ultimately boils down to this approach. Although they excel in specific skills like defence, rebounding, or shooting, their limited offensive skill sets can sometimes make them easy targets for opposing defences. In contrast, Jack McVeigh can excel in multiple positions while leveraging his shooting ability, and Dyson Daniels, a strong defender, can also function as a secondary handler.
Head coach Brian Goorjian seems to have aimed to select players who each meet a certain standard in shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding and defence, to create an offence and defence that does not give the opponent a clear target to focus on.
In retrospect, signs of this decision were already visible from last year's World Cup. Thybulle, White, and Goulding often found themselves on the bench during crucial moments, and if it hadn't been for Landale's injury, Cooks might have had even fewer minutes. It was clear that the inside players' situation was tough.
Credit: FIBA
The plan looks like it’s to prioritise more balanced players with a broader skill set, even if they lacked explosive ability, over more specialised players with one standout skill.
This approach aligns with why European teams, despite having far fewer NBA players, are powerhouses: they emphasise overall team quality. Serbia, who finished as runners-up in last year's World Cup, embodied this approach. Meanwhile, despite having numerous NBA players, the Boomers were a collection of distinctive players with overlapping specialties (I love it but), failing to fully utilise the breadth of their roster and not advancing to the knockout stages. Considering this background, Goorjian's decision this time around is understandable.
However, some aspects can't be explained by logic alone. The strong defence and the powerful, speedy transition offence that emerged from it were brought by newcomers like Thybulle and Exum, who defined the new Boomers style at the Tokyo Olympics. Watching them run and leap across the court was like seeing a herd of kangaroos, perfectly embodying the team’s Boomers nickname. The addition of Xavier Cooks and Jack White was supposed to further emphasise this style. Yet, now, the team seems to be shifting away from this strength, returning to a phase of rediscovering its identity.
Perhaps the upcoming exhibition matches will reveal what Goorjian has in mind for us, but I must say that I loved the team style that began at the Tokyo Olympics just as much as the previous one.
What Joe Ingles and Matthew Dellavedova provide
While it is somewhat understandable why the priority of players like Thybulle and Cooks was relatively lowered considering the team's flexibility (I hope everyone feels the same way), are they truly not among the top 12 players for the team? Couldn't they have been kept as the 11th or 12th spot as insurance? In such discussions, veterans like Matthew Dellavedova and Joe Ingles, who likely filled those spots, tend to be targets of criticism. Let's review their performances in the Melbourne exhibition matches.
In the exhibition match against China, Joe Ingles was unquestionably the best at managing centres like Jock Landale, Duop Reath, and Will Magnay, even surpassing Josh Giddey in this regard. His pinpoint pocket passes and lob passes from the pick and roll, along with his smooth yet unpredictable drives, were exceptional. When the offence led by younger point guards like Josh Giddey and Danté Exum stalls, Ingles’ playmaking ability will undoubtedly become crucial.
Last year’s World Cup saw the Boomers’ average points increase with the addition of Josh Giddey, who averaged nearly 20 points per game, compared to the Tokyo Olympics. However, from what I observed during the Okinawa round, their half-court offence often stagnated, and struggled to create gaps. Ingles, who had a somewhat lacklustre performance in that tournament, was primarily playing the power forward position due to Landale's absence. With Landale's return, he could revert to his natural position and fully demonstrate his true abilities.
On the other hand, Matthew Dellavedova, though different in style, also made a significant impact as a playmaker during the exhibition matches. While Giddey’s drives often seem improvised, Dellavedova begins his drives with several future scenarios mapped out in his mind. He quickly assesses the positions of all five defenders after using the pick, making precise passes to maximise opportunities.
The scene in the second game against China, where he sent a skip pass to Dyson Daniels on the opposite side, who then nailed a three-pointer, is a prime example of his basketball playmaking IQ.
Likewise, for Chris Goulding a bit earlier.
Dellavedova’s defensive acumen is also notable. While we can't expect the same quality of on-ball defence he showcased against Stephen Curry in the 2015 NBA Finals, his determination and energy remain intact. His defensive rotations are quick and mistake-free, and he directs his teammates into the right positions with his communication. Although I’ve assumed he will have some playing time, it's widely predicted that he will have very little.
However, it’s important to note that his role extends off the court as well. He never stops talking on the bench, providing feedback to returning players and sharing his experience and knowledge to keep everyone ready. Watching the quieter bench during last year’s World Cup, I couldn't help but think, "if only Dellavedova was here."
Dellavedova made an NBA comeback in 2022 as a member of the Sacramento Kings, and his mentor capabilities were valued by head coach Mike Brown. That year, the Kings had an impressive run, making the playoffs for the first time in 17 seasons. Mike Brown won Coach of the Year, and Dellavedova fulfilled his role admirably. It's worth noting that his abilities are so valued that NBA teams would use a roster spot just for his presence. When considering who to place in the 12th spot with likely minimal playing time, it’s not surprising that Dellavedova, who can make the bench his battleground, was chosen. He is the ultimate professional for the final roster spot (of course, as a fan, I hope he gets to play).
To reiterate: in both exhibition matches against China, Australia significantly outperformed their opponent in the second half on both ends of the court. For fans wondering, "Why bring these two aging players to the Olympics now?" - remember that they were central to those performances.
Building the best team over having the best players
Let's take a closer look at the 12-man roster. Each player offers unique qualities, creating a versatile and highly adaptable team. However, the question remains: have the issues highlighted by Goorjian after the World Cup truly been resolved? It's tempting to address shooting and ball pressure problems by simply adding the best shooter and defender. However, the coaching staff have taken a different approach.
They aim to develop an offensive scheme that can consistently create high-percentage open shots by generating proper mismatches. Defensively, they want a disciplined rotation that maintains pressure without allowing easy open shots. If the team can achieve this, the issues of shooting and ball pressure will naturally be resolved.
This strategy focuses on improving overall team performance rather than relying on the individual skills of the best players. This approach is applicable at all levels of basketball, including amateur levels, providing a valuable reference for anyone involved in the sport.
There are certainly areas of concern. If McVeigh's three-point shooting falters, Goulding won’t be there as insurance. If Dyson Daniels and Josh Green's defence isn't effective against the opponent's top scorer, Matisse Thybulle will not be available. If Nick Kay struggles with rebounding, we won’t have Xavier Cooks ready to go.
By avoiding skill overlap and not having specialist backups, each player must fulfill their assigned role effectively. It looks like the belief is that the collective defence, shooting, and rebounding capabilities of the selected players can compensate for the absence of specialists. Nevertheless, there's always a risk that this approach might result in a mediocre outcome that doesn't make a significant impact on either end of the court.
Personally, I love this challenging selection. To conclude, I'd like to express my appreciation to Goorjian and the coaching staff with a heartfelt message.
In conclusion
The announcement of the Paris Olympics roster has sparked an overwhelming amount of negative feedback, far surpassing the reactions seen during last year’s World Cup or the previous Tokyo Olympics. This selection was undoubtedly challenging and difficult for fans to comprehend.
However, it is precisely because of this that the outcome is profoundly insightful, revealing the extent to which the coaching staff deliberated to build the best possible team. It is worthwhile to delve deeply into the reasons behind this decision.
This process has been so intriguing that it prompted me, a Japanese Boomers fan with no direct connection to distant Australia, to seriously write about this team for the first time. Cutting Matisse Thybulle without any thought or resolve would be unthinkable. I want to reiterate that every aspect of the rotations in the exhibition matches against China conveyed various intentions. It wasn't a simple matter of adding up five players; it was about finding which combinations could generate the most synergy. I am grateful to the coaching staff for tirelessly experimenting with every possible combination. The decisions made were based on those 80 minutes of accumulated experience, so I believe they are the right choices. The exhibition matches were thoroughly exhaustive in testing everything.
Of course, I have unwavering faith that this team will win a medal. Even if that doesn't happen, the ambitious roster composition prioritising skillset and player type diversity over simply fielding the best players in each category, will provide us with numerous valuable insights - perhaps even more so than the last World Cup.
The journey of the Australian Boomers continue. The prime time for the next generation led by Josh Giddey is not now, but likely in the next World Cup, the Olympics, or perhaps even further in the future. Brian Goorjian is attempting to test everything and pass on his findings to the next coach. This is how I perceive it.
All that remains is to enjoy this neverending journey: Gold Vibes Only.
Follow kelly on Twitter (X) at @kuroemonba.
 | A guest post by
|