Basketball On The Internet.

HOW reassuring is it these days to see an Australian men's squad announced, look at it and think only positive thoughts? Brian Goorjian's 18-man Boomers squad for the FIBA World Cup in August has three obvious omissions but is so rich in talent that medal salivations are warranted. 

The 12-man team I preferred when the World Cup draw was announced, are all here and that group stage against Finland on August 25, Germany on August 27 and host Japan on August 29 should be an excellent stepping stone into the Round of 16.

The 18-man squad named today includes 10 members of the Tokyo Olympic Bronze Medallists, namely Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Chris Goulding, Josh Green, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Jock Landale, Patty Mills, Duop Reath and Matisse Thybulle.

NBA quartet Xavier Cooks, Dyson Daniels, Josh Giddey and Jack White were squad certainties, with Sam Froling, Thon Maker, William McDowell-White and Keanu Pinder completing the squad.

Let's be blunt - it's a gem.

From this squad, Ben Simmons is missing but unless you've been living under a rock, you would have caught up with the fact he is making "I think I'd like to play" types of noises and, post-injury, may be up for selection later. Or not.

Tokyo Olympian Aron Baynes is the other out. Whether he is taking a break from international basketball, his form didn't warrant consideration, he is injured or simply out of favour becomes moot.

And the other obvious player consistently overlooked (so it is no accident), is Mitch Creek. But when you've been bypassed for an "Australia E" team, chances are you won't be considered for the A-team, whether worthy or not.

Some may be surprised to see Nathan Sobey absent but realistically his position is one where the Boomers boast a wealth of riches.

Truth is this Boomers outfit is very much back in medal contention and capable of improving on Australia's best World Cup record, its fourth place in China in 2019.

The squad is: Xavier Cooks (Washington Wizards), Dyson Daniels (New Orleans Pelicans), Matthew Dellavedova (Sacramento Kings), Dante Exum (Partizan Belgrade), Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks), Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder), Chris Goulding (Melbourne United), Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks), Joe Ingles (Milwaukee Bucks), Nick Kay (Shimane Susanoo Magic), Jock Landale (Phoenix Suns), Thon Maker (Fujian Sturgeons), Will McDowell-White (New Zealand Breakers), Patty Mills (Brooklyn Nets), Keanu Pinder (Perth Wildcats), Duop Reath (Al Riyadi Club Beirut), Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trailblazers), Jack White (Denver Nuggets).

Landale is playing some terrific basketball for Phoenix in its Western Conference semi final series while Giddey has been the story of the NBA season, averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game for OKC. 

But we know when Patty Mills dons the green-and-gold he becomes Superman, with Joe Ingles right alongside him as Batman.

PIC courtesy of fiba.com