With the NBA season about to begin, let’s run the rule over the Australian players flying the flag proud in the world’s premier basketball competition.
Andrew Bogut continues his comeback from injury and is hoping he can become Australia’s first All Star this season.
He and the very talented Golden State Warriors have a chance at a top four place in the Western Conference.
Patty Mills is still yet to get consistent game time. After an injury-plagued 2012/13 NBA season, he will hope to get on the court and back up Tony Parker with some real authority.
Aron Baynes was a surprise call up to San Antonio last year. He played 16 regular season matches and four playoff games, where he averaged just over two points per game.
Matthew Dellavedova is the latest to make the NBA cut with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Victorian product will most likely spend most of his time warming the pine, but he has a chance to learn from one of the best in Kyrie Irving.
The Aussie the NBA is truly awaiting is young star Dante Exum.
Exum has only just turned 18, but if you saw him coming down the road, you might want to pull him aside and say, “mate can I have an autograph,” because it will probably be worth a lot of money in a few years’ time.
This young Australian basketballer is a potential top 10 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, he may even go number one.
His father played NBL and went to college with Michael Jordan and James Worthy. Jordan went on to be the greatest basketballer of all time and Worthy a three-time NBA champion and hall of famer.
More importantly, however, Australia might have another NBA baller to look up to.
Currently Exum and young Ben Simmons are the future of Australian basketball.
Simmons recently singed with college giants LSU. The 17-year-old is the son of Melbourne Tigers and Newcastle Falcons import Dave Simmons.
Both these young stars are sons of former NBL imports and are now making headlines as Australia’s next big products.
Let’s hope they can deliver for the Boomers at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic games.
Hayley Wildes
Roar Pro
I doubt Exum will reach the heights of Jabari Parker, Julius Randle or Andrwe Wiggins and land above them in the draft. I think there is a chance he goes top 5, and then who knows what the future could hold for him, hopefully plenty of games for the Boomers!
Jarrad
Guest
there is some improvements for this though Brian, ABC will be showing all Boomers games on Aussie soil. which is a start, as for the Worlds.. I wish it was on FTA somewhere... I plan to buy the FIBA live basketball streaming package for the worlds so I wont miss a second.
Brian
Guest
There is a FIBA World Cup net year. Whenever I think of the worst promoted sporting event it has to be the FIBA World Cup. NBA stars dot the tournament playing the world's second most popular sport and most people wouldn't know its on. For Basketball to grow I think there needs to be some impetus to get the Boomers on FTA TV.
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
As much as I want to, it is very tough to consider Kyrie an Australian. Yes he can play for the Boomers, but the lure of playing for Team USA and winning a gold medal will be too much. I think Exum is a genuine star and a proud Aussie.
Junior Time
Guest
Uncle Drew is Defs Australian
Cleveland Steamer
Guest
We kinda had Kyrie Irving as our first all star last year. I'm gonna count Uncle Drew