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Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has sent a message to Josh Giddey to let the star basketballer know he is there to support him as he undergoes an NBA investigation.
The Boomers ace and Oklahoma City Thunder guard is being investigated following an allegation in a since-deleted anonymous social media post that he had an improper relationship with an underage girl.
Goorjian will travel to the United States next month to meet with Giddey and other Boomers playing in the NBA to touch base and fine tune preparations for next year’s Paris Olympics.
Goorjian spoke to AAP on Monday about the Giddey situation at the Australian School basketball championships where he is surveying the next generation of talent.
He said the NBA investigation was “out of my wheelhouse” but confirmed he had contacted the 21-year-old to offer support.
(Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I haven’t spoken to him … just messaged him. I am just letting that settle but we’ve contacted him and let him know that we are here for him,” Goorjian told AAP.
“I will go over and see him face-to-face but … I have no control over that right now. I am just hoping for the best for him.”
Goorjian said that as the coach of the Boomers his sole focus was to let Giddey know he was a shoulder to lean on.
“He is a young man and you are part of his development. I think we have a responsibility, and I do, to develop him as a human being,” he said.
“When you are in trouble or there are things not going your way, or you have got some problems as has been the case with other players … you are just open and let him know you are there for him.
“Right now this is in a box that is outside of my wheelhouse but if he needed someone to talk to, or support, I just wanted to let him know I am there for him.”
Oklahoma City have not stood Giddey down
Goorjian said it was “fantastic” that Giddey played against Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday morning (AEDT).
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