Aussie Star's Race Against Time

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has his “fingers crossed” Ben Simmons will be healthy enough to join the squad’s World Cup training camp in Cairns.

Simmons wasn’t named in the Boomers’ 18-man extended squad for the World Cup, but the three-time NBA All-Star is likely to be a late inclusion if he is healthy.

The Brooklyn Nets star has had a tumultuous past two seasons with off-court drama and health issues, but Goorjian believes the celebrated Boomers culture could help Simmons revive his career.

“He is a piece that could really make a difference with this team. His size, he can defend multiple positions, and when he is on the floor, he makes everybody else better,” Goorjian told Channel 9.

“I don’t think there is a better situation for the Boomers and for Ben. This time of his career is perfect, come into the Boomers, re-establish yourself, come in and be who you are, be who you want to be, and play with the guys that you grew up with in a culture that’s fantastic.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simmons in the green and gold? Don't count it out yet ?<br><br>Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has left the door open for a sensational return to the World Cup squad for the NBA star ??<br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/EhG5jFFr0B">https://t.co/EhG5jFFr0B</a> <a href="https://t.co/6wEOwxkMkB">pic.twitter.com/6wEOwxkMkB</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1655782238263582720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I know the main guys in this would love to have him involved and I know in my communication with Ben, it is something he is working hard (on), to get healthy enough to come into camp and show what he can do.

“I’m preparing the team, and I have to, as if he is not there, but also in my mind got my fingers crossed that you get a special addition to the team.”

Last week Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze said he would take the gamble and pick Simmons for the squad.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup begins on August 25.