Australian superstar Ben Simmons opted out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because he said he wanted to focus on his individual skill development after the Philadelphia Sixers' early playoff elimination.
Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian expressed his support for the Sixers star's decision to withdraw from the Olympic team as he said:
I have spoken with Ben, and whilst we wanted him to be a part of our team, we understand and support his decision and he has made it clear that this is something that he wants to be a part of in the future,” Goorjian said, according to the release. “It is a pretty rough time for him right now, and I know it is something that he wanted to do, but the timing just hasn’t worked
After Australia made history as they claimed its first ever men’s Olympic basketball medal after a 107-93 win over Slovenia, the Sixers star took to Instagram to congratulate the Boomers on their impressive run and third place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.
Amazing stuff fellas. Congrats to the whole @australianboomers squad
Before the 2020-21 season, Simmons expressed optimism that he would make a long-awaited major international debut with Australia at the Tokyo Games.
Ultimately, I want to play in the Olympics,” Simmons said in December. “I want to experience that. I want to win a medal, so, hopefully, it all works out with timing and everything and I’m healthy, so, yeah.
Sixers teammate and fellow boomer Mattise Thybulle was asked by the media regarding Simmons' future plans with the Boomers.
He responded with high hopes that Simmons will play at the next Olympic games which will be held on Paris in 2024 as he told Fox Sports:
I don’t think it will take much convincing this next time around,
It was sad to see that they were missing the biggest name in their team in Ben Simmons because they certainly are a better team with him given his talents.
Follow Us
Subscribe