Strong Chances We Might See Ben Simmons Playing For Australia At FIBA World Cup
Ben Simmons hasn’t played for the Australian National Team in a while, but things may change this summer. Brian Goorjian, the head coach of Australia, stated that he believes Simmons may represent his country at the FIBA World Cup in 2023.
Strong Chances We Might See Ben Simmons Playing For Australia At FIBA World Cup
This summer will see the return of a significant international competition for men’s basketball when 32 teams go to Asia to compete in the most recent FIBA World Cup. It is the first time the competition has been held since 2019, when Spain won the gold medal, Argentina came in second, and France took third.
Simmons last participated in a game for the Boomers, who took home the bronze medal in the Olympics in Tokyo, in 2013.
Having just spoken with Simmons, Australia coach Brian Goorjian expressed optimism that Simmons will be able to join the team this summer on SEN Radio in Sydney.
The long wait is over? 🔥
🇦🇺 Boomers coach Brian Goorjian reveals Ben Simmons's mindset is "getting ready" to put Australia jersey back on at the World Cup.#FIBAWC x #WinForAustralia
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) May 5, 2023
Due to a back ailment, the Brooklyn Nets guard missed the team’s last 23 games and has since been recovering. The timing of his comeback will depend on how well his recuperation is progressing, according to insiders.
“I think Ben’s mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape, and getting ready to play. And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time. As we sit now, there is a really strong chance that he plays,” Goorjian said.
🇦🇺 "I think there is a really strong chance." – Brian Goorjian.https://t.co/MNHJ1oHncg
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) May 5, 2023
Although the Brooklyn Nets forward’s absence from the Tokyo Olympics was upsetting, Goorjian claimed that Simmons is very certain to play for Australia once more.
“There were unfortunate circumstances he missed the Tokyo Olympics, but I feel like he is going to make himself available,” Goorjian said about Simmons.
BREAKING | Boomers coach Brian Goorjian confirms Ben Simmons is a "strong chance" to play at the FIBA World Cup.#FIBAWC #FIBAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/WlG3mE3dIh
— SEN 1170 (@1170sen) May 5, 2023
With the Nets last season, Simmons appeared in just 42 games, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
On August 25 in Okinawa, Australia will play Finland in their opening match of the World Cup. They will also face Germany and Japan in group play.
Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian thinks Ben Simmons is a really strong chance to play for Australia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 👀🇦🇺#NBL24 #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/YJLiXZyeBb
— NBL News (@NBL_News) May 5, 2023
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