Originally published at basketball.net.au.
The biggest names in Australian basketball are set to go head-to-head with the best of American college basketball for two matches in Melbourne, when the Australia Boomers play the USA Pac-12 College All-Stars. Melbourne’s Hisense Arena will stage the 2016 Australian Boomers Farewell Series on Tuesday July 12 and Thursday July 14.
The games will give fans the opportunity to see the final Boomers team for Rio, and arguably the greatest team Australian basketball has ever assembled, facing off against some of the best college basketball talent out of the United States led by heralded NBA and Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame coach, Mike Montgomery.
With the Australian Olympic team due to be announced in July, the Boomers side is likely to include such greats of the game as Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes to name a few.
Prior to the Boomers games on July 12 and July 14, fans will also have the chance to witness the Australian Rollers, who will head to the Paralympics in September as the world champions, in a clash against a team of All-Stars from the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL).
Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore has high Olympic hopes for the Boomers.
“This is one of the strongest men’s teams Australia has ever seen going into an Olympic Games and the team has high aspirations heading into Rio.
“The Boomers Farewell Series backs up a training camp in Melbourne and is an essential part of the team’s preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. I know the team is excited to get back to Melbourne to complete its preparations and for the basketball fans of Australia, it provides the rare opportunity to watch first-class basketball featuring the best Australian and college basketball talent,” Mr Moore said.
Justin Papps, Managing Director of TEG Live said:
“We are extremely proud to be involved in the Australian Boomers Farewell Series, showcasing some of the best local and international basketball talent on home soil. Together with our partners at TLA, we are confident that Australian sports fans will get behind the Boomers and give these world-class athletes a fitting send off to Rio.”
Bart Campbell, Chairman of TLA said:
“We are pleased to work with the Pac-12 and their extraordinary global vision to bring more world class events Australia, one of the world’s greatest and most passionate markets for sport. Together with TEG Live, we look forward to providing an unforgettable experience for the student-athletes and stiff competition for the Boomers as they prepare for a strong run in 2016 Summer Olympics.”
As an added bonus for those in attendance, fans will get the chance to see the Australian Rollers in action against a team of All-Stars from the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL) prior to each of the two 2016 Australian Boomers Farewell Series games.
Joe Ingles is looking forward to coming home for the series.
“I’m proud to be representing Australia and there’s nothing better than playing in front of a home crowd.
“As well as being great preparation for Rio, the series enables us to bring elite basketball to Australian supporters, which is fantastic.”
Chris Goulding echoed his team mates sentiments.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out on the court with the Boomers and after the reception we received during the Oceania Series in August last year, we cannot wait to play in front of a home crowd.”
