Basketball Australia has confirmed Brian Goorjian will remain as coach through to the 2024 Paris Olympics despite failing to get the Boomers out of the group stage at the World Cup.
But there will be a “full review” of the worst finish at a major tournament since 2014 from a team loaded with nine NBA players and coming off a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Goorjian himself conceded some “tough decisions” would have to be made about selection as he navigated the path of blending established players with the next generation of stars, including the likes of Dyson Daniels, who didn’t see much World Cup action.
Veteran stars, including Patty Mills and Joe Ingles, have committed to playing on to Paris, while NBA star Ben Simmons has also declared his desire to join the team after missing the World Cup.
“There is no doubt we’ll have to make some tough decisions around selections, but when the time is right, we’ll commence discussions with players around their availability and willingness to represent the green and gold,” Goorjian said.
FIBA Basketball World Cup | Watch the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Final FREE & LIVE with ESPN on Kayo Freebies. Join Freebies now, no credit card required >
Despite the 10th place World Cup finish, which included losses to Germany and Slovakia, BA boss Matt Scriven expressed unwavering support for 70-year-old Goorjian, who was in charge when the Boomers won the historic bronze at the Olympics two years ago.
“Brian is one of the country’s most respected and qualified coaches, he is contracted until Paris and our support of him is unwavering,” Scriven said.
“He will be at the helm of the Boomers.
“The result at this World Cup is disappointing and we will take the learnings, rebuild and focus on a podium finish in Paris.
“We understand our fans are disappointed with 10th place, as are we. It’s how we rebound from this that’s important.”
Scriven said every element of the campaign would be looked at to ensure there was no repeat in Paris next year.
“We won’t shy away from making the changes necessary across the program where they’re needed,” he said.
“We are all here for the long haul. You take the losses with the wins, you reassess and move on.
“The Paris Olympics are only 10 months away, so we have a lot of work to do in a short period of time and we have the commitment from the players, coaches and support staff to do that.”