‘Outrageous’: Josh Giddey impresses as Boomers gear up for FIBA World Cup
Josh Giddey has given Australian basketball followers a glimpse of the Boomers’ future and boy it seems superb.
Australia claimed a dominant 97-41 win over Venezuela on Monday night time at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena within the first of three warm-up video games forward of the FIBA World Cup, which suggestions off later this month.
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A teenaged Giddey was neglected for the Boomers’ historic Tokyo Olympics marketing campaign however after two years within the NBA, the 20-year-old is now the face of a deep Australian staff.
Giddey made his nationwide debut in early 2020 however he regarded a special participant and a category above as he pulled the strings for the Boomers in opposition to Venezuela.
The OKC Thunder teen began the sport and put his stamp on the competition early, racking up the assists and making huge man Duop Reath appear to be Shaquille O’Neal with sensational passes.
Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze raved about Giddey’s “silver service” passing expertise.
“The best way to endear yourself to teammates is to find them,” Gaze stated on Channel 9.
“Josh Giddey, absolute perfection. Magic Johnson-like with the drop off to Reath.
“This is outrageous passing by Josh Giddey!”
The Boomers are coming into a brand new period with unprecedented depth and it seems Giddey has formally taken the baton from Patty Mills.
Commentator Brenton Speed requested the apparent query: “Patty Mills is the captain but is this Josh Giddey’s team already?”
Gaze replied: “I wouldn’t go that far. But you’re going to see the ball in Josh Giddey’s hands a lot.”
Australia began the sport taking pictures 10/11 from the sector to steer 27-16 at quarter time, stretching their benefit to steer 54-23 at halftime.
Giddey placed on an absolute clinic to have seven factors, 4 rebounds and 6 assists at half time, whereas Reath, Mills and Matisse Thybulle have been additionally strong for the Boomers.
Giddey regarded on monitor for a uncommon triple double in a 40-minute FIBA sport, however he was benched within the dying levels with 14 factors, eight rebounds and 9 assists.
Reath completed with a game-high 26 factors and the one concern got here when sharpshooter Chris Goulding hobbled off within the third quarter and sat out the remainder of the sport with ice on his proper leg.
Dyson Daniels got here on within the second half, whereas Josh Green wasn’t required and Jock Landale was rested as he recovers from an ankle harm.
Matthew Dellavedova was reduce from the Boomers’ squad in a brutal choice name and coach Brian Goorjian will seemingly want to decide on between Xavier Cooks and Jack White for the final spot in his 12-man squad.
The Boomers will tackle Brazil and South Sudan in Melbourne this week, earlier than remaining World Cup tune-ups in opposition to France and Georgia.
FULL SCHEDULE (Times AEST)
Australia vs Venezuela (Monday, August 14 @ 7.45pm)
Australia vs Brazil (Wednesday, August 16 @ 5.30pm)
Australia vs South Sudan (Thursday, August 17 @ 7.45pm)
Australia vs France (Sunday, August 20 @ 2pm)
Australia vs Georgia (Tuesday, August 22 @ TBD)
