Australia men's national basketball team

And it's something we've been passionate about, and we've even argued with people on social media about, that he is that level of player, whether you think it or not, or whether you, you know, disagree with different things he's done or, you know, think the surgeries were, were bullshit and that, which they obviously aren't.

Um, but Jase, it's just great to see him back, uh, in the NBA and what c- what can only be a good sign for him and as well as the Australian Boomers.

Yeah, I think it's, it's where he belongs, right? Whether, [chuckles] whether you like him or you don't, or you're Stephen A.

Smith, who I'd love to see Ben Simmons and Stephen A. Smith play one-on-one, and we'll see who wins.

His career might not have worked out the way people deem it to be or how they wanted it to, but it's not their career, it's Ben's.

So he's still got a lot to prove.

I hope that-- I hope that we are right, and I hope that he ends up doing this and then rolling into the Boomers following it.

I'll have to wait about nine months to be proven correct, but that's ideally what I hope this is.

He looks amazing.

He's been training on a little bit with the Boomers too.

So maybe we thought this could be a little bit different this time.

But I tell you, I didn't expect a return to the NBA this quickly.

Yep, you're right.

It's an exciting prospect and hopefully we can see at least 75% of the best of Ben Simmons.

I think we'll be more than hopeful for that, either in the NBA or hopefully representing Australia in the Boomers who also play in the not-too-distant future.

Hey, Josh, great chatting sport with you as always.

And we've got some fresh new signings to talk about, as well as the aforementioned big super coach news.

So to lead us off, The Boomers, who have a very strong contingent of NBL players, have now qualified for the Asia Cup after window four.

It's halftime currently of Australia and Jordan, so we are recording this ahead of time.

How are you seeing the Boomers' performance, Derry?

Well, I watched the game against Syria and we chatted before we came on here.

Probably the worst fastball team I've ever watched in my life.

So I do expect it to be more of a first-round selection.

Very nice, mate.

The Incredible Holt, Jacob Holt, and Lil Mac, Max McKinnon.

Congratulations to both of them on making the Boomers squad and absolutely trouncing Syria on Friday night.

Well done to both of you for the time that you got.

Yeah, congratulations.

I did a little bit of a story earlier this week, Jase, a couple days ago.

It's been seven years since that, uh, Boomers versus USA game at Marvel Stadium, of course, the second of two games, but Australia won game two.

So we'll take a look about, uh, back at that.

Boomers, of course, Ben Simmons was at training with the Boomers, an unofficial training, which is ironic because, um, you might have mentioned that he, uh, was a chance of playing for the Boomers at the upcoming tournaments.

Opals FIBA World Cup, um, and then a lot to get through.

So they're our topics for today.

Now, Jase, we're gonna move on from the NBL, which we're really looking forward to the Blitz here, by the way, in Bendigo, September 2 to 6, get down to Red Energy Arena.

I'll be walking around as well, um, we start pre-season that week as well.

of the local community.

With the Boomers, mate, your son's playing and, like, mate, I didn't get the opportunity before.

I think he is special as well.

He's got a great understanding of the game.

It's been a little while since we've had some news, uh, from there.

And also, uh, a Boomers squad for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers confirmed.

And well, with us this afternoon to chat, uh, all about it is former Sydney Kings captain, Brad Rosen's been good enough to join me.

Hello, Brad.

I mean, look at this, you know, speaking of the other day, look at Anthony Dell also.

Mm.

You know, like what a, what an outstanding game he had for Perth, and now he's gonna be in the Boomers debut.

Now, it's not a shock to some people that have seen his career, but, you know, for everyone in Perth, get excited.