BEN SIMMONS COMMITS TO BOOMERS FOR 2019 FIBA WORLD CUP
In a video post on Twitter, Simmons thanked the Philadelphia 76ers fans following the conclusion of the NBA season and announced his commitment to the Australian national team.
“I want to announce I am going to be a Boomer for the upcoming events. Stay tuned,” he said.
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) May 15, 2019
The Boomers official squad for the 2019 FIBA World Cup will be revealed next week ahead of the tournament that tips off in China on August 31.
Australian Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis said:
“Today’s announcement from Ben is exciting and reaffirmation of the environment that exists within Australian basketball.
“I’m always so humbled and honoured to be involved with this great group of people. The players are truly invested in the program and each other. They are always proud to wear the Boomers uniform and keen to represent Australian basketball on the world stage.
“It will be exciting to get the entire group together in Melbourne and I look forward to seeing how it all comes together.
“Ben is an amazing talent and his skill set will add significantly to the team. He has a phenomenal basketball IQ, an ability to create for himself and others and an obvious willingness to play in a team orientated environment. This will help the team in a multitude of ways. I know we will enjoy the journey with him and I’m confident he’ll enjoy the Boomers environment.
“I know the sales for the Canada and USA games have been strong – and rightly so. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the calibre of player participating in these games on Australian soil – if there are any tickets left, I’d imagine they won’t be for long.”
Martin Pakula, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events said:
“This is huge news for basketball lovers who will travel from all corners of Australia to watch our Boomers take on USA Basketball at Marvel Stadium this August.
“Ben is an absolute star of the NBA and it will be great to see him play in front of a massive home crowd in Melbourne.
“Securing this basketball blockbuster series for Victoria confirms Melbourne as Australia’s sporting capital and a global major events mecca.”
The Boomers FIBA World Cup campaign begins on September 1 but they will play four warm-up games on home soil before they travel to China.
Australia will take on Canada in a two-game series on August 16 and 17 in Perth before they host USA Basketball in Melbourne on August 22 and 24.
The Australian Boomers warm-up schedule ahead of the 2019 FIBA World Cup:
August 16: Boomers vs. Canada Basketball at RAC Arena in Perth. Tickets available now via Ticketek
August 17: Boomers vs. Canada Basketball at RAC Arena in Perth. Tickets available now via Ticketek
August 22: Boomers vs. USA Basketball at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Tickets available now via Ticketmaster
August 24: Boomers vs. USA Basketball at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Tickets available now via Ticketmaster
The Australian Boomers schedule for the 2019 FIBA World Cup:
September 1: Boomers vs. Canada
September 3: Boomers vs. Senegal
September 5: Boomers vs. Lithuania
September 7 & 9: Round of 16
September 10 & 11: Quarter-Finals
September 13: Semi-Finals
September 15: Medal Games
Basketball Australia
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