CJ revels in chance to be part of Boomers bid

EVEN if they clash with his favourite pairs of shoes, Boomers assistant coach CJ Bruton is always proud to wear the green-and-gold for Australia.

The Brisbane Bullets assistant coach, who dominated the NBL for more than a decade on top of representing Australia with distinction, was a late call-up for the Commonwealth Games following the withdrawal of basketball legend Luc Longley from the team.

Landing at Cairns airport last weekend in his Boomers shorts and polo, Bruton opted to wear some high-top Air Jordans rather than the team-issued green sneakers, joking he had to “stay fresh” before reflecting on his patriotism.

“Initially, Longley was the guy. He is the man. I’m just filling the void,” Bruton said.

“But when a door opens you should take that opportunity. To be an assistant coach for the Boomers is really special. When (head coach) Andrej (Lemanis) asked me there was no hesitation, having been a part of the last Commonwealth Games. defence after the Duchess wore a solemn expression during the opening ceremony.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin said the Duchess was exhausted, rather than bored.

“She’d just got off the plane

“It’s a big honour to do this for your country, just in a different phase of my career.”

The son of the legendary American import Cal Bruton, the NBL champion said the chance to grow up in Australia and eventually captain the Boomers in 2006 to a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne was a personal career highlight. in the morning, there was a full set of duty right through, and the only time she got a break was when she sat in the car from Brisbane down to here,” she said.

The royal visit includes a trip to Cairns.

“It’s why my father came to this country,” he said.

“He was the first AfricanAmerican player to play in Australia. This country’s given me a beautiful life. It’s my home … and I want to continue to show my love of not only the sport but this country.”

The Boomers play Canada this afternoon at the Cairns Convention Centre.