Simmons Set to Join NBL Talent in World Cup Squad?

The Australian Boomers’ camp could be set for a dramatic shake-up ahead of the FIBA World Cup, with head coach Brian Goorjian sensationally stating he believes Ben Simmons could be named in the side heading to the tournament.

Simmons famously excluded himself from selection for the Boomers’ Olympic bronze medal winning campaign in Tokyo and hasn’t represented the country since 2014, when he was just 18-years-old.

“I think his (Ben’s) mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape and getting ready to play in this (World Cup),” Goorjian told SEN.

“And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time.

“Our door is always open to him and during my time with the Boomers he has always been straightforward with me.

“There were unfortunate circumstances (why he didn’t play at Tokyo), but I feel like he is going to make himself available.”

Should Simmons join the camp for the tournament he looks primed to be joined by a strong group of NBL talent.

Reigning NBL MVP Xavier Cooks and former Perth Wildcat Nick Kay are both currently pushing their cases for strong roles in the side, while Melbourne’s Chris Goulding has become a mainstay of Australian representative sides in recent years.

The likes of Keanu Pinder, Mitch Creek and Luke Travers will also be hoping to press their case for a place in the squad alongside Simmons.

“As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance (that Simmons plays at the World Cup),” Goorjian continued.

“I also feel that Ben understands being with the Boomers and enjoying his basketball while representing his country.

“He will also be around these guys that he has grown up with. He gets that and he wants that.”