Gaze Backs Ben "Gamble"

NBL champion and Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze says the Boomers should take “a gamble” by committing to selecting Ben Simmons for the upcoming World Cup. 

Simmons was left out of Australia’s extended squad, named on Monday, but coach Brian Goorjian has since left the door open for a late call-up for the three-time NBA All Star.

The 26-year-old has battled injuries over the past two seasons and played just 42 games in his most recent campaign at Brooklyn – there’s no doubting his incredible talent though. 

“I would pick Ben and I would on the proviso of him agreeing to how his role would look. He brings great versatility but I would be looking for him to play in that four (forward) spot in this particular squad,” Gaze told News Corp. 

Speaking to SEN on Monday, Goorjian iterated Simmons was very much in the mix to wear the green and gold for the first time since 2013. 

“We’ve made a spot for him if he’s available by the time of the Cairns camp,” Goorjian said. 

“He definitely wants to be a part of this and is working right now to get healthy.

“The communication’s been good, he’s in that frame of mind of wanting to be a part of this.

“He’s just trying to get healthy.”

Simmons is currently recovering from a back injury, but is keen to represent his country.

“I’m currently rehabilitating my back injury and putting my full effort and focus towards that. I love what coach (Brian) Goorjian is building with the Boomers and I look forward to being a part of the program in the future,” he told News Corp last week. 

Gaze said Simmons would provide "another dimension" to the Boomers' squad. 

Read the full story here >> Andrew Gaze calls for Ben Simmons to be picked for Boomers World Cup squad