After four heart-breaking fourth-place finishes in previous Olympic Games, the Australian Boomers finally won that elusive medal on Saturday night, when they defeated Luka Doncic and Slovenia in the bronze medal game.
All the Australian players and staff are obviously winners, yet there are plenty who emerge from the result even more enhanced than that, for a host of different reasons. Sadly, one other individual perhaps doesn’t…
Patty Mills
These winners aren’t ranked… except for this one. It’s difficult to express how impressive a 42-point, nine-assist performance is in the biggest game in Australian basketball history.
To say Mills delivered on the big stage is as gigantic an understatement as there is. Yet for all that he’s achieved in his athletic career – including now delivering Australia a long-awaited Olympic men’s basketball medal – it speaks volumes that it pales in comparison to Mills’ standing as a person.
A proud Indigenous man, a quality human, and an amazing ambassador for his people and his country, you should take a very big bow, Patty.
(Photo by Getty Images)
Andrew Gaze
The heart and soul of Australian basketball. The greatest NBL player ever (and believe me when I say, it’s not even close). One of the nicest, most genuine people alive. The man is an absolute legend, and his commentary during the Olympics was its usual mix of unbridled enthusiasm, passion and knowledge.
Yet the very best was saved for last, as he unashamedly cried on TV post the match, such was his pride for the Boomers win. It was also immensely satisfying to see him admit that: “Selfishly, I feel a little part of this win”.
Wow, even when he thinks he’s being selfish, Gaze remains modest and understated. In paving the way for this team and inspiring them to even play basketball, he’s a massive part of this win.
Shares in Kleenex
Speaking of, was there a dry eye in the house on Saturday night? As the final siren sounded, the emotion of finally breaking through for a medal took over.
To be honest, I was crying way before that! Patty Mills and the players’ emotions ensured things got dusty once again. Then Channel Seven commentators Mel McLaughlin, Lisa Sthalekar and Andy Maher all struggled to keep their composure, while Andrew Gaze didn’t even try! It was a highly emotional night.
Brian Goorjian
I did something during this tournament I’ve never, ever done before: I doubted Brian Goorjian. Specifically, I questioned the selection of Nathan Sobey over Josh Giddey, his ongoing loyalty to ‘Delly’ in keeping him in the starting five, and his not calling a time-out to stop the bleeding during the USA’s offensive explosion in the semi-final.
Though those particular doubts remain, they are minor blips on Goorj’s overall genius. His teams always play outstanding defence, and he made a number of adjustments that helped deliver Australia’s first medal, thereby cementing his standing as one of the best basketball coaches, against any coaching competition.
The Boomers’ culture
While it can easily be dismissed as BS, those that know, know: the Boomers’ culture is a real thing. Like all cultures, what outsiders believe is irrelevant – the players and everyone involved in the team believe in it, ex-players believe in it, and most importantly, future players believe in it.
(Photo by Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The concepts of team-first, no egos, looking after teammates, playing hard, and being a gold medallist performer on and off the court have all been the hallmarks of the Boomers for a long time. Now the final vindication of that culture – long overdue – lays around the current players’ necks.
Matthew Dellavedova
‘Delly’ has been a wonderful servant for the Boomers, and no basketballer has extracted more out of their talent. However, the sad reality is that he looked washed up during this tournament. Unable to beat anyone off the dribble, and with a broken jump shot, Delly was close to a zero on offence.
He reportedly looked very bad in camp, yet was selected anyway, so he’s lucky – and therefore a winner – for the Boomers claiming a bronze, otherwise I fear he may have unfairly been the target of media and fan ire for looking past it. That may still be a narrative, but at least it’s not the narrative, and he can retire on top.
Jock Landale
The skilled big man was on scouts’ radars well before the Olympics, but his stellar play sealed an NBA deal, and he was rewarded with a two-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs the day before Australia’s game against the US. It’s just reward for the versatile forward, who should surprise a few Americans next season.
Basketball in Australia
The bronze medal was a wonderful reward for every former Boomer, and long-suffering Boomers fans. Heartache, pain, misfortune, and fourth-place finishes had all become regular acquaintances with the Boomers fraternity, which made Saturday’s victory even sweeter.
A lot of people will rightly feel a part of that win, and the best thing was the comments by Gaze, stating: “This is now the standard… and now we want gold”. A whole new generation will be inspired by that bronze medal, and that will make previous generations ecstatic.
(Photo by Getty Images)
Matisse Thybulle
I’m not sure Australia has fallen in love with any adopted athlete quicker, although fans who remember Tatiana Grigorieva may disagree. Ratings for Philadelphia 76ers games in Australia will undoubtedly receive a boost next season, with numerous Aussies undoubtedly keen to continue watching their new favourite player.
Thybulle bought into the Boomers culture in a heartbeat, and showed a defensive ability on par with the greats on that end of the court. Throw in his hustle and athleticism, and it’s no shock he became a fan favourite.
Finally, we come to the six-foot-11 elephant in the room. While we don’t want to end on a downer, it’s almost irresponsible not to talk about the big name missing from the Boomers’ Olympic campaign…
Ben Simmons
You can’t help but feel that Simmons missed a massive opportunity by not being with the Boomers in Tokyo. I’m not referring to the medal either, I’m alluding more to him not being around that amazing culture and supportive environment, which could have only been a good thing for him.
Simmons’ reputation took a beating in the NBA playoffs, and I’d argue it’s only got worse, with his perception of caring more about model girlfriends and flashy cars than playing basketball for his country, sure to be a warning flag for astute basketball judges.
It’s hard to call anyone on a US$190 million ($258 million) contract a loser, and he’s certainly not, but Simmons definitely lost out not being with the Boomers.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Absolutely. Hopefully he will play next time; he is a gun in many aspects of the game. And he also improves his free throw shooting by then.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
Hey Chris, I don’t think you were harsh at all, I completely concur with your sentiment. I agree too that privately, some of the Boomers will be unhappy with Simmon’s choice, I would be too. I’m stoked for Oz fans at winning the Bronze, but I did really believe with Simmons being able to play as he wanted (not restrained like in the NBA, free to play like Patty) Oz was a high chance of gold. Could have really used his defensive abilities.
raj
Guest
Ben Simmons ain't coming back fuggetabouthim
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Yes, Adam, I am sorry for coming across as harsh. I do feel strongly about it because I have watched our basketball stars since 1976 battle their hearts out at the OG level. I firmly believe that the talented, those who do make the NBA or are top NBL players, should commit for a few weeks for the rare OG and World Cups, barring league play. As sport is fuelled by the fans who provide their dollars and interest to support the game and income, he or she is entitled to their opinions as much as anyone else. Despite the public image, I actually believe that some of the Boomers would indeed be ….ed off that he did not play. Fortunately, they still medalled, and against the bookmaker odds.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
Hey Chris, I totally get your opinion & why you feel that way. To be fair to Simmons, he has had an astronomical amount of pressure placed on his shoulders, since he was a child/teenage prodigy. I struggled with my “expectations” from people in my tiny home town (being a half decent Rugby player that sadly never lived up to those expectations, but was crippled by them) and can’t imagine being in his shoes. Simmons is human after all, & despite calls for loyalty/patriotism, he must do what’s best for HIS life…despite our “informed” opinions. Just as I wished the Boomers well (despite being a Kiwi & predicting a Gold), I wish Simmons well as he has had the courage to address his weakness. I agree it is a great shame he didn’t choose to show the world his skill in this Olympics. Here’s hoping he does in the next?!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Great article Ryan, so proud of the Boomers bronze medal efforts. I am pretty ambivalent about Simmons ever suiting up for the Boomers. It’s clearly not a priority for him and would he fit the great culture that has been established. Sure he would be a great addition but if you can’t lead a horse to water.. Love what Thybulle has brought to the table, been a brilliant in, comes across as a top bloke too. The post game interview with Mills was top shelf and Gaze in Shinya pouring it all out was so moving and great to see what this medal means to so many !
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
wow, and what humour. You are a true keyboard warrior. Cheers.
josh
Roar Rookie
Apologies, if I've assumed your gender. I should have written, Angry people on the internet.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
"angry blokes on the internet". Wow, that hurts.
josh
Roar Rookie
Do tell, what else should Australian sports stars do, in your opinion? Maybe Simmons will regret not playing. Maybe this will make him commit to future national team opportunities. Angry blokes on the internet won't.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
yeah, excuse me for having an opinion about someone who should have played for Australia.
josh
Roar Rookie
Well unfortunately for you, the team doesn't feel the same way.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
no, Simmons is a joke not playing for Australia and the world knows what he is like. I am glad they medalled without him.
Marcel
Guest
I get the impression that Simmons, like La Cabbage, now feels more at home in the African American community.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Simmons should take a cautionary tale from looking at Dellavadova, this is what happens when your athleticism declines and you dont have anything to back it up with. Not that Dellavadova was athletic when he was younger, he made up for not being fast through histrionic intensity and fitness, I dont know if Dellavadova was carrying an injury but Simmons is a big guy and they dont age as well as smaller guys though at least if your tall you can just hang around the rim in defence wherreas Dellavadova hasn't got that option. With Simmons I think Australia could have beaten the US who looked vulnerable and he would have benefited had he played well and this could be his one shot at a gold medal giving Australia aging player stocks.
chris
Guest
Good article Ryan. Matisse Thybulle was my favourite. Talk about calm. And he just looked like a kid in a lolly shop - loving everything about being involved with the boomers. So glad he picked Aus to play for as he could have also picked to play for the US. Andrew Gaze was brilliant as well. They still talk about him at Seton Hall! :)
jameswm
Roar Guru
And surely that will earn him (Exum) a good contract.
eels47
Roar Rookie
Agree completely. He will be welcomed into the team if he wants to be there, that is how they operate. I also think he would have been better served going to the Olympics and experiencing the Boomer camp. Obviously his advisers thought otherwise, which is disappointing. Contrast that to Exum. He has no contract at the moment and has really struggled with injury and could very easily have opted out to "work on his game". But he made it very clear that he wanted to be part of the team, and now it could be his play in the Olympics that earns him that contract. He stood up when it mattered and played quite well.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Rubio...
jameswm
Roar Guru
As a Wallabies fan – I wish they could involve him in camps. What a person. He deals with the biggest egos and salaries around on a day to day basis, and just gets the job done. Team of the tournament – without looking, here’s my guess – let’s see how close I get Mills Doncic KD Gobert One other