Three takeaways from the Australian Boomers' extended roster

The eighteen man squad featured the usual suspects, with a few surprises.

Credit: FIBA

The Australian Boomers have officially kicked off their preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, after naming an extended eighteen man training camp roster. Many expected names from previous major tournaments find themselves coming back, with some having experienced rose gold medal glory at the Tokyo Olympics, but there are a few new faces in the mix. Here are some key points from the extended roster, as we await the naming of the final twelve man squad.

1. Brock Motum misses out

Brock Motum is a contender for the unluckiest man in Boomers basketball selection. Just two years ago he was coming off one of his most productive European seasons, but missed the final twelve man cut for Tokyo. It’s a case of déjà vu in 2023, as Motum recently averaged 17.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists for Levanga Hokkaido in the Japanese B.League. He shot a remarkable 54% from the floor, and made 42% of his 4.1 three-point attempts on average, but this efficiency wasn’t enough to earn him a top eighteen spot. Motum’s output was similar to that of Nick Kay, although it’s worth mentioning that Kay played for the second-placed Shimane Susanoo Magic, while the former suited up for a struggling Hokkaido team.