Australia’s latest NBA signing Jonah Bolden has declared his interest in playing for the Boomers in the future.
Bolden signed a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers last week, and says from an international perspective, he has no doubts about wanting to represent Australia.
WHY BOLDEN CAN’T WAIT TO TEAM UP WITH SIMMONS AT 76ERS
“That’s never been a hesitation,” he told SEN Afternoons about wanting to play for Australia.
“I’ve always wanted to play for my country.
“I’ve been in contact with (coach) Andrej (Lemanis) and we have been talking.
“This summer this (the NBA) has been my focus and he understands that.
“Now this is what it is, it’s all signed and done, this is still obviously my focus but he knows come the time, I’m ready to represent the country.”
SEN Afternoons with Andy Maher can be heard Monday-Friday 12-3pm, and you can subscribe to the podcast here.
Bolden’s interest in playing for the Boomers grows the slew of NBA talent which could represent Australia at upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games, with 10 Aussies - Bolden, Patty Mills, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Ryan Broekhoff, Joe Ingles, Ben Simmons, Mangok Mathiang, Thon Maker and Aron Baynes - currently on NBA rosters.
It was announced earlier this week the Boomers’ next set of FIBA World Cup qualifiers will take place in Bendigo and Melbourne later this year.
Australia battles Kazakhstan on September 17 at Bendigo Stadium, before returning to Margaret Court Arena to face Iran on November 30 and Qatar on December 3.
Listen to Jonah Bolden’s chat with Andy Maher on SEN Afternoons in the player below