Boomers legend Andrew Gaze has named his preferred starting five ahead of Australia's 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign in China.
Australian basketball was given a massive boost with Philadelphia 76ers superstar Ben Simmons confirming his availability for the tournament that gets underway on August 31.
The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year confirmed the news via his Instagram page today.
“I’d also like to announce that I’m going be a Boomer for the upcoming events, so stay tuned.” Simmons said.
With Simmons now a certain starter, seven-time NBL MVP Gaze chose the starting line-up he would go with.
“You’ve got to say that Ben Simmons is going to start,” the former Sydney Kings coach told SEN’s KB and The Doc.
“Given what he does with the 76ers, it will be a similar type role … so him and Patty Mills you would say would be your guards.
“I think you would have Joe Ingles as a three man and probably start with Boges (Andrew Bogut) as your five man, then it really comes down to personal choice and what sort of system you’re going to run.
“I think someone like a Ryan Broekhoff … someone of that ilk who can provide that perimeter threat.”
The Boomers will face Canada, Lithuania and Senegal in Group H.
Listen to Andrew Gaze’s chat on SEN’s KB and The Doc in the player below