Bogut, Jawai to bring NBA rivalry to Sydney
NINE years after their sole NBA battle, big men Andrew Bogut and Nate Jawai will clash in the NBL for the first time when Sydney hosts Cairns today.
The last time the two Boomers veterans came headto-head in 2009, they were playing in the world’s best basketball competition.
Led by a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds from Bogut, the Milwaukee Bucks claimed a comfortable 87-72 win over Jawai’s Minnesota Timberwolves.
At Qudos Bank Arena this afternoon, the pair will renew their on-court rivalry.
And while Bogut is excited about taking on Jawai, he says their clash isn’t one of the NBL’s marquee match-ups just yet.
“Two big men who battle down low will be good, but I wouldn’t call it a rivalry because as teams we both haven’t done anything yet,” Bogut said.
“That is in terms of winning a championship or getting to finals, but hopefully that will change down the track.
“But I’m looking forward to taking on Nate again.
“He is a big physical guy, much like myself, so it should be a good battle.
“We know that Nate is a vital piece of what Cairns are trying to do.”
Bogut wants to beat Jawai but he also has great respect for him as a basketballer and person.
He says the big man’s journey from a small town of 1000 people near Cape York to the NBA and Australian representation has the power to change people’s lives.
“Nate’s story is very inspiring,” Bogut said.
“Being an Indigenous player, much like Patty Mills, those guys can do a lot for their communities back home. He can really show kids that it is possible to live your dream.”