Chris Goulding – The Boomers bench bomber

Written by Oliver Kay

Chris Goulding has been on a tear recently. Throughout August’s World Cup preparation games and in the World Cup opener against Canada on Sunday, the savvy sharpshooter has been the ideal sixth man – efficient with his minutes and fearless with his scoring.

Over his last three games wearing the Green and Gold, the veteran Boomer has averaged 13.3 points and shot a dizzying seven from eleven from beyond the three-point line.

Goulding’s efficient scoring was on full display against Canada. In only 17:50 minutes of court time, ‘Bubbles’ cranked out 16 points, shooting a near-perfect six from seven from the field. Only the referee’s whistle could slow him down, with five fouls forcing him off the floor prematurely.

With a Boomers roster packed with NBA and European League talent, Goulding isn’t the go-to-man that he is accustomed to being with Melbourne United. However, for Goulding, coming off the bench brings a serene clarity that he is fully embracing.

“I’ve been lucky that my role has been really defined, I know what to do when I come into games,” he said after Sunday’s win over Canada. “[I’m] coming in and trying to do what I can to keep the scoreboard ticking over and stop them from scoring and making sure we get a win.”

Goulding’s stellar form is a sweet sight for Boomers, who have undergone a number of last-minute roster changes leading into the World Cup. As a result, the team need the spark and depth he brings to the team in order to battle through a tough Group H and proceed to the second round.

“We need multiple guys contributing, whether that be double figures or not…not only offensively, but being able to come in and do a job defensively as well,” Goulding said.

Next up is Senegal, a team who will be hungry for redemptions after being steamrolled by 54 points by sixth-ranked Lithuania. A win against Senegal is vital to the Boomers chances of advancing, not only for the points but also for the momentum it will provide heading into their group-stage showdown against Lithuania on Thursday.

If Goulding is able to continue his hot run of form he will become Australia’s ‘not-so-secret’ weapon.