The Australian Boomers still hold out a “slim chance” that Aleks Maric will shore up the team’s thin interior for the FIBA World Championships in Turkey at the end of August. The lack of availability of Andrew Bogut and Nathan Jawai has meant that the Toronto Raptors’ David Andersen remains the only legitimate internationally-experienced option inside for Boomers coach Brett Brown (with Matt Nielsen serving more of an inside-outside role).
25-year old Maric is a solid big body inside — exactly what the team needs, given the relative depth of wings and guards that the team has. The problem is that after wrestling with Serbia for his loyalty, the Boomers are now unsure as to whether Maric will be available to play after a tiring European campaign.
Having won the tug of war with Serbia for the 25-year-old’s services, Australia then learned that Maric was not going to be available for the tournament in Turkey after the effects of a long European season with Partizan Belgrade.
However, with Andrew Bogut missing and Australia in need of help up front, the door is still open for Maric if he can get himself fit in time.
“Aleks is still a chance for the world titles with Australia, but a very slim one and we believe he will be unlikely to be available,” a spokesman for Basketball Australia told FIBA.
Maric has represented Australia at youth level but has not previously played for the seniors, and Serbia were still hoping to persuade the dual passport holder to switch alliegances.
However, Maric has recommitted to the Boomers’ cause.
Over the weekend, Maric signed a two-year deal with Panathinaikos to resolve his club future.
