The extended squad for the Australian Boomers has been revealed ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

After a historic campaign at the Tokyo Games, which saw the team claim their first ever major tournament medal, they took a major step back at last year’s FIBA World Cup, failing to reach the quarter-finals. 

One year on from their unceremonious exit, the team will look to redeem themselves in Paris, and coach Brian Goorjian has taken the first step by naming the extended 22-man squad, from which he will select the eventual 12-man team. 

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Boomers Olympic squad revealed

The Boomers have elected for a mixture of veteran players and fresh faces in this squad, with a group of players ranging nearly 20 years, from 17-year-old Rocco Zikarsky to 36-year-old Joe Ingles.

12 of the 22 were selected for last year’s World Cup squad, the entire squad being called back, while a host of new names were added to help rejuvenate the program. 

10 current NBA players have been named in the squad, with three more having previous experience in the world’s top league, as well as a whole host of elite NBL talent, including reigning Finals MVP Jack McVeigh, and teammate Will Magnay. 

Also in the team is a current NCAA star and possible 2024 NBA Draft selection in Johnny Furphy, as well as a Japan B-League sensation and Boomers stalwart Nick Kay. 

*Team most recently played for

Will Ben Simmons play at the Olympics? Former NBA All-Star among players not selected in Boomers squad

It seems that Australian basketball fans will once more miss out on seeing Ben Simmons in the green and gold, with the current Brooklyn Net set to miss another international tournament, unable to play due to a back injury despite stating his willingness previously. 

Simmons was one of a number of big names left off the squad, including former NBA Draft pick Thon Maker, who is the only member of the 2023’s selection squad to not make the cut this time around. 

Other notable snubs include Cleveland Cavaliers draftee and Melbourne United wing Luke Travers, South-East Melbourne star Mitch Creek, and current star Duke University guard Tyrese Proctor. 

When will the Boomers Olympic team be selected?

With the extended squad now confirmed, the players will have around three months to make their case, with the team set to be whittled down at the Boomers pre-Olympic camp in July. 

The team will then travel to Paris for the Games, where they will be desperate to improve upon the Gold medal won in Tokyo.