FIBA World Cup campaign 2019 Jonah Bolden withdraws from Aussie Boomers
Jonah Bolden has withdrawn from the Australian Boomers' 2019 FIBA World Cup squad due to personal reasons, Basketball Australia announced today.
Basketball Australia made the announcement on Sunday evening, with Bolden set to return to Philadelphia, where’s he’s signed with the 76ers.
"My first thought is always with the player in these situations - having to withdraw from the national team is tough for anyone," Boomers head coach, Andrej Lemanis, said.“From a team perspective, the timing is sub-optimal, but again, we are very fortunate to have the depth of talent we have in this country available to take up this opportunity. Whilst it can feel like we need to make a quick decision, the most important thing is to bring in the player that best compliments the other skill sets we have on the team.
“The Canada series has allowed us to understand a little more about who we are as a team and we need to consider all available players to ensure we add the appropriate set of skills that match the needs of the team.”
The discussion as to who will replace Bolden has already begun, with Brock Motum and Deng Adel being regarded as the two most likely contenders.
Bolden looked set to play a key role for the Boomers at the World Cup, with news of his withdrawal coming just a day after he produced an impressive performance against Canada in Perth, recording 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks in the 81-73 win.
The Boomers will take on Team USA in two exhibition games this week on Thursday, August 22 and Saturday, August 24, before flying to China for the World Cup, which begins August 31.
The BA statement said the Australian coaching panel would discuss and confirm a replacement player for the World Cup and this week’s USA warm-up games.
In the two-match Canada series, Australia recovered from an embarrassing 20-point thrashing to a third-string outfit in game one with a 81-73 follow-up victory on Saturday night in Perth.
Bolden was a standout in the second match, with 12 points and five rebounds off the bench.
A huge challenge awaits the Boomers against the USA boasting a roster brimming with NBA talent.
The Boomers travel to Melbourne for games against the two-time reigning World Cup champions on August 22 and 24 in their last warm-ups before heading to China.
Basketball Australia made the announcement on Sunday evening, with Bolden set to return to Philadelphia, where’s he’s signed with the 76ers.
"My first thought is always with the player in these situations - having to withdraw from the national team is tough for anyone," Boomers head coach, Andrej Lemanis, said.“From a team perspective, the timing is sub-optimal, but again, we are very fortunate to have the depth of talent we have in this country available to take up this opportunity. Whilst it can feel like we need to make a quick decision, the most important thing is to bring in the player that best compliments the other skill sets we have on the team.
“The Canada series has allowed us to understand a little more about who we are as a team and we need to consider all available players to ensure we add the appropriate set of skills that match the needs of the team.”
The discussion as to who will replace Bolden has already begun, with Brock Motum and Deng Adel being regarded as the two most likely contenders.
Bolden looked set to play a key role for the Boomers at the World Cup, with news of his withdrawal coming just a day after he produced an impressive performance against Canada in Perth, recording 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks in the 81-73 win.
The Boomers will take on Team USA in two exhibition games this week on Thursday, August 22 and Saturday, August 24, before flying to China for the World Cup, which begins August 31.
International Basketball series schedule
| Date | Game | Arena | TV |
| August 20 | Canada Basketball vs. New Zealand Tall Blacks | Quaycentre, Sydney, Australia | 7:30pm live on SBS on Demand |
| August 21 | Canada Basketball vs. New Zealand Tall Blacks | Quaycentre, Sydney, Australia | 7:30pm live on SBS on Demand |
| August 22 | USA Basketball vs. Australian Boomers | Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Australia | 7:30pm on SBS VICELAND and SBS on Demand |
| August 24 | USA Basketball vs. Australian Boomers | Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Australia | 2:00pm on SBS VICELAND and SBS on Demand |
| August 26 | USA Basketball vs. Canada Basketball | Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia | 7:30pm on SBS VICELAND and SBS on Demand |
The BA statement said the Australian coaching panel would discuss and confirm a replacement player for the World Cup and this week’s USA warm-up games.
In the two-match Canada series, Australia recovered from an embarrassing 20-point thrashing to a third-string outfit in game one with a 81-73 follow-up victory on Saturday night in Perth.
Bolden was a standout in the second match, with 12 points and five rebounds off the bench.
A huge challenge awaits the Boomers against the USA boasting a roster brimming with NBA talent.
The Boomers travel to Melbourne for games against the two-time reigning World Cup champions on August 22 and 24 in their last warm-ups before heading to China.
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