Australia head coach Brian Goorjian shared his optimism that Ben Simmons will join the Boomers for the 2023 Basketball World Cup.
“I think his (Ben’s) mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape and getting ready to play,” Goorjian told SEN Radio. “And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time.
As we sit now, I think there is a really strong chance (that he plays at the World Cup). There were unfortunate circumstances (he missed the Tokyo Olympics), but I feel like he is going to make himself available,” Goorjian added.
The long wait is over? 🔥
🇦🇺 Boomers coach Brian Goorjian reveals Ben Simmons's mindset is "getting ready" to put Australia jersey back on at the World Cup.#FIBAWC x #WinForAustralia
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) May 5, 2023
Ben Simmons, who has been dealing with injuries for consecutive years now, played 42 games this season for the Brooklyn Nets, but injuries led to the franchise shutting him down before the NBA playoffs.
Australia is the No. 3 in the FIBA World Ranking and the bronze medal winners at the Tokyo Olympics – their first podium finish at a Summer Games or a World Cup. This summer, they will take on hosts Japan, Germany, Finland in Group E.
It has been almost 10 years since Ben Simmons last played for the national team, as he missed the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games and the 2019 Basketball World Cup.
