Olympic Team Profile: Australia
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Oceanian powerhouse Australia returns to the Olympics for the 10th consecutive time and 12th overall. Australia reached the semifinals in 1988, 1996 and 2000 without winning a medal, but enters Beijing 2008 with great ambitions and a rock solid frontcourt full of power and versatility. Star big man Andrew Bogut will the Boomers' main reference under the rims, but Australia can rely on former All-Euroleague center David Andersen, Matt Nielsen or Chris Anstey, allowing coach Brian Goorjian to change its offense at any time. As usual, C.J. Bruton will be the team's floor general and a reliable option in crunch time while players like Brad Newley and Mark Worthington will play at key role at both wings. The Boomers are set to play their trademark up-tempo, physical game with Bogut as their go-to guy. With a core of players that has been together for several years, Australia may shock everyone in the event.
Bogut has already shown his power in preparation games, as he has been virtually unguardable in the low post. Powerful and talented, Bogut needs to be consistent throughout the tournament if the Boomers want to reach high in Beijing. # | Name | Pos. | H. | 4 | Chris Anstey | C | 213 | 5 | Patrick Mills | G | 181 | 6 | Andrew Bogut | C | 213 | 7 | Jose Ingles | G | 203 | 8 | Brad Newley | G | 198 | 9 | C.J. Bruton | G | 188 | 10 | David Barlow | F | 205 | 11 | Mark Worthington | F | 202 | 12 | Glen Saville | F | 197 | 13 | David Andersen | C | 212 | 14 | Matthew Nielsen | F | 209 | 15 | Shawn Redhage | F | 203 | | Head Coach: Brian Goorjian |
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His perfact complement will be Andersen, right at the prime of his career. His mobility, deep range and unstoppable turnaround jumper makes Andersen become a nightmare for any team. Nielsen offers his all-around game and thoughness while Anstey will be key off the Australian bench due to his experience, soft touch and quickness. David Barlow can play at any forward spot and is set to help the Boomers with his winning mentality and scoring skills.
Bruton will be ready to get everyone involved and won't hesitate to take key shots down the stretch, just as usual. His determination and leadership is out of the question. Patrick Mills, who will turn 20 in the Olympics, will step on court to change the game rhythm. Worthington is a modern small forward with good driving skills for his size, aggressivity and toughness. Meanwhile, Newley will be the starting shooting guard, ready to pull the trigger with unlimited range. Australia needs Bruton and Barlow to be effective from downtown, not only to create more space for Bogut, but also because sharp shooter Jason Smith will not be in Beijing. Athletic swingman Glen Saville, strong forward Shawn Redhage and left-handed point forward Joe Ingles round an interesting lineup. Australia hopes to fight its way in competitive Group A and try to advance once again to the medal rounds.
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Euroleague.net
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