Boomers brace for might of the NBA

LeBron, Curry await

The path to the Paris Olympics for the Boomers and Opals has been locked in – headlined by a blockbuster men’s warm-up game against a formidable Team USA side featuring future Hall of Famers LeBron James and Steph Curry.

It’s a daunting proposition for the Australian men taking on arguably the strongest American side since Michael Jordan’s Dream Team in 1992, but coach Brian Goorjian has welcomed the practice clash in Abu Dhabi on July 15 as perfect preparation for the Games.

Goorjian is excited about the challenge of taking on a loaded American side, including James, Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum.

“Team USA is as tough as it gets, but it will be very good for us,” Goorjian said.

“We also will be getting as much European competition as we can. We are trying to get as many games and as tough competition as we can leading into games.”

Goorjian has previously declared that Australia’s group in Paris is potentially the toughest in history.

The Australians have been named in Group A alongside Canada and the winner of two qualifying tournaments in Spain and Greece. The Boomers face the prospect of Spain and Tokyo Olympic rivals Slovenia joining their group.

In a bid to reach the podium in Paris, both the men and women will play a smorgasbord of practice games across five countries.

The Boomers and Opals take on China in a pair of homecoming exhibition games in Melbourne at John Cain Arena from July 2-5. The clashes against the Chinese will serve as the final chance for players on both teams to push for a roster spot in Paris.

Once the 12-player squads for the Boomers and Opals are finalised, both teams then head overseas for more warm-up games.

The men will play against Team USA and Serbia in Abu Dhabi on July 15 and 16, before more games in France in the lead up to their first group stage game on July 27.

The Opals’ pre-Paris schedule is equally as busy.

Prior to taking on China in Melbourne, the women will play two games against Japan in Japan from June 18 to 21.

Coach Sandy Brondello’s side also have warm-up games against Spain (July 21), Canada (July 22) and a scrimmage against France on July 25.

The Opals have named a strong 20-player extended squad for Paris, including the legendary Lauren Jackson, who is eyeing her fifth Games.