Hoops

Boomers squad snubs

If Lemanis' decision to not send Ogilvy to camp isn't personal, then Im done. Im not saying he should be making the Boomers Rio team, but to not invite him wreaks of a grudge.

A.J. is listed at 6'11" tall and has had a great NBL season. At times he may have been shut down by players his size playing very physically on him but overall he has great interior presence and can play at international level IMO.

Once these guys, with some athleticism, get to 6'10" and over there isn't much between them really. Their hops make a little difference and of course the way they play, their athletic ability, focus on boards and their shooting range all become key factors as to how they fit into a team.

For the Boomers, this time around at least, it appears Brandt is the fit, that takes nothing away from A.J. in my view, as he would perhaps be a good fit if the coaches had a slightly different line up to consider...

Ben Madgen doesn't have the speed, athleticism, or anything that works at international level. He might be able to knock some open jump shots, but that is it.

We saw him get absolutely mauled against China when he played them. I would hate to see him against USA or any Euro team of any note.

Daniel Dillon was a role player in the NBL and I have no reason to believe he is much more than that now. He might be interesting to throw in the conversation when the FIBA games are played during the NBA season, as for some qualifiers, but not before then.

The Belgium Scooore League is not as strong as the Polish league.

Ben Madgen is killing it though and putting up some impressive numbers.

With the quality of the players we already have in the squad, he would have been hard pressed to push someone else out at his position.

AJ Ogilvy was the unlucky one to miss the squad.

Just to be clear, Dan Dillon played in the FIBA Europe Cup this past season, not Eurocup. That is a league that is a step down (behind Euroleague and Eurocup), but the same competition as David Andersen. Although the French Pro A is stronger that the Polish Tauron League.

The Polish league is getting stronger. Cam Gliddon and Ater Majok are also both starring in the same league.

From what I've read here and elsewhere, Lemanis isn't a fan of AJ. I do think he tends to vanish when matched against opponents his size or bigger, which is obviously going to be just about everyone when it gets to the international level, but it's still hard to justify him not even making the squad IMO after the year he had.

As Bogut finishes his international career, baynes will replace him as a starter. Ogilvy will be his backup no doubt.

Ogilvy as odd a no call as it goes.

Dan Dillon is good, but Boomers? No way.

Mills, Delly, Newley, Ryan B (although more a SF), Exum, Goulding, Lisch, Madgen, Gliddon etc all in front of him. Not to mention Martin, Gibson etc.

How good is this? Aus aren't struggling for talent!

I think you answered your own question with the list of guards invited already.

They were nowhere near as unlucky as Ogilvy, especially with Brandt included in the squad.

I imagine Martin and Gibson would be ahead of them. And if they're overseas and not strong chances, Lemanis might have wanted to not waste their time.

Hi all,

The Fivestar Girls only Basketball camp is on again this July 5th-8th at Mars Stadium. Coaches will include Jess Foley, Tess Madgen, Mia Newley, Sam Woosnam and Rebecca Duke. Prizes, camp T's and a lot of fun to be had by all.

For more information and to sign up go to www.bball.com.au

See you there!!