The Boomers will have a mighty challenge when they face off against the “pool of death” in their Paris 2024 group, according to Australian basketball legend Andrew Bogut.
Bogut is concerned Australia, who will be forced to face off against Spain, Canada and Greece, won’t even make the podium at Paris 2024.
But why is Australia’s group so tough?
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Bogut believes he has the answer.
“We’ve got the pool of death and people aren’t talking about that. We’ve got a pool that’s going to get two qualifiers from Europe. On top of that, we have Canada,” Bogut said on the NBL’s The Gold Standard podcast.
Australian Boomers players Josh Green and Josh Giddey attends a press-conference at Foot Locker in Melbourne. WireImage
More specifically, Bogut is fearful that the Boomers have no chance to boost their percentage against any of their pool sides, considering the genuine threat they all pose.
“I think realistically talking, I think the podium is going to be very hard, if we’re being honest,” he said.
“The Olympics now have gone to three pools of four … the top two go through. Then there’s another two that go through. It’s the best two placed third placed teams.
We don’t have a percentage booster team in our pool.
Patty Mills of the Australian Boomers looks on during the game between the Australia Boomers and China at John Cain Arena. Getty
“That’s a huge concern for me. Even if we get a win or two or whatever it is, our percentage isn’t going to be as great.
“We have to aim at winning two out of three of those games.”
Spain currently sit No.2 in the FIBA world rankings, while Greece come in with their powerhouse threat of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I think we have the toughest pool. I think it’s going to be really tough. I think podium would be amazing. If we get on the podium out of this pool, that’s an amazing run, but I think it’s going to be tough, very, very tough to get through,” Bogut added.
Matthew Dellavedova of the Australian Boomers speaks to team mates. Getty
In the Boomers’ pool, the top two of four teams will advance.
The two most successful third-placed side across all pools will also advance.
It means eight teams will make the quarter finals and have a chance to fight to reach Olympic gold.
BOOMERS’ PARIS 2024 POOL (Group A)
Saturday, July 27: vs Spain, 7pm.
Tuesday, July 30: vs Canada, 9.30pm.
Friday, August 2: vs Greece, 9.30pm.