The Australian Boomers have received highly damaging news with the expected announcement by Andrew Bogut that he will not be available to play in the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey. On 3 April against the Phoenix Suns, Bogey went down awkwardly on a fast break dunk, injuring his finger, elbow and arm.
2009-10 has seen the seven-footer’s best NBA season, as he came second to only Dwight Howard in blocks per game at 2.5bpg, along with a double-double. He was the victim of daylight robbery in not being selected to the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, after performing at such a high level and leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a surprisingly successful season. It was a shame that he could not be part of their playoff run, which pushed the Atlanta Hawks to the limit in the first round before ultimately failing.
The excellent season that Bogut has had was recognised through his selection this past week to the All-NBA Third Team, the first Aussie to have received such an honour. He was unlucky to have not been selected as centre on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, with Tim Duncan receiving the nod, based largely on reputation, if you ask me.
Bogut is a big supporter of Aussie basketball, having done great work in assisting the national league in the past. He will have all of his weight behind the Boomers, off the court during the World Championships.
“This has been a tough decision, but given the nature of the injury I sustained a few weeks back I knew at that point that playing at the World Championships in 2010 would be doubtful,” Bogut said. “I am certainly keen to contribute in any way possible to the team’s preparations and look forward to working with Brett and the team as we prepare for 2012 London Olympics.”
Boomers head coach Brett Brown said whilst the team would love to have Bogut in Turkey, his long-term physical welfare was more important than any single event.
“Andrew’s injury is obviously a significant blow to the Boomers’ World Championship preparation,” said Brown. “Prior to his injury he was playing as well as any centre in the NBA, as confirmed by his recent Third Team All-NBA selection. I am personally disappointed to not be able to work with him over the upcoming months.”
“Having said this, Australia is fortunate to have a core group of internationally experienced interior players like Matt Nielsen, David Andersen and Aleks Maric who will be complimented by some talented young players. Together we will find a way to maximize our team’s strengths and go into our preparation with high expectations. I am excited to get started once the Spurs season is finished.”
With the Spurs bowing out today 0-4 to the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, Brown will be able to get right onto the job.
Aleks Maric in particular is one to keep an eye on. It is great to hear that he is garnering vocal support for his role on the Boomers, after a stunning season in the Euro League with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia. He has surged onto the scene this season, averaging 14.5ppg, 8.5rpg and shooting .618 from the field — all stellar numbers by European standards. His play saw him selected as one of the five best players in the Euro League, named as centre on the Euro League First Team alongside Milos Teodosic, Linas Kleiza, Juan Carlos Navarro and Viktor Khryapa (three of which are former NBA players).
He carried Partizan to the Final Four, their first appearance since 1998, where they lost narrowly to yearly superpower Olympiacos of Greece. His size and international exposure will be highly valuable to the Boomers with Bogut’s unavailability.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said whilst Bogut’s presence would undoubtedly be missed by the Boomers in Turkey, Bogut had the best interests of the team at heart by announcing his withdrawal as soon as it became inevitable.
“Andrew sustained very serious injuries in his fall but he still tried his utmost to be fit in time for the world championships,” said Sengstock. “That says a lot about his love of wearing the green and gold. Once it became clear however that the rehab he needed to undergo was simply too lengthy to fit in with the Boomers’ program in 2010, he wanted to end speculation about his possible involvement so the team could move forward and prepare accordingly. That attitude is to be commended. “
Bogut’s agent, Bruce Kaider of One Management Group, said Bogut’s decision was based on the best possible medical advice.
“While we deliberated about this decision, sound medical advice from both here in Australia and in the US determined that the timeframes involved to recover and rehabilitate this injury were not achievable to have him back and ready to compete at the World Championships,” said Kaider. “While it is a disappointing result, Andrew is focused and committed to getting back in readiness for the 2012 London Olympics.”
Australia have been drawn in Group A for the 2010 FIBA World Championships and will open their quest for gold with a clash against Jordan on 28 August. They then face Argentina (29 August), Germany (30 August), Serbia (1 September) and Angola (September 2). All of the Boomers’ five preliminary round games will be held in the Turkish city of Kayseri.
As a part of their final world championship campaign preparations the Boomers will host current world number one Argentina in a three-game international series in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide on 25, 27 and 29 June respectively. Tickets for the series go on sale on 1 June.
Interview with Aleks Maric upon being named to the Euro League Five:
