Goodwill Games

03/22/2001

Goodwill Basketball Set to be a Cracker

Basketball is shaping up to be one of the toughest contests of the 2001 Goodwill Games, with Australia and United States vowing to send full-strength teams to compete in Brisbane.

The Australian Boomers, led by new coach Phil Smyth, are particularly eager to play for Goodwill gold, following their narrow 93-85 loss in overtime to the United States at the last Goodwill Games in New York in 1998.

The Boomers' commitment comes as USA Basketball today announced its Goodwill Games team would be guided by Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders - one of the most successful young coaches in the NBA.

Mr Saunders will direct a 12-member team comprised of young NBA players who will represent the United States in the Goodwill Games for the first time.

Saunders' selection was made by the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team Committee, which also announced the USA Goodwill Games Team would be comprised of NBA players drafted in 1999 or 2000, or 22-years or younger.

This represents a very strong USA team, determined to hold on to its champion status.

While the exact USA and Australian team line-ups will be announced in coming months, Basketball Australia Chief Executive Scott Derwin guaranteed the Australian team would be out to win on home turf.

``Australia just missed the gold medal at the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York and we will be going all out to claim the gold this time,'' Mr Derwin said.

``This will be a great opportunity for the new look Boomers to play in a major tournament after the Olympics, and it is exciting that it will be at the Goodwill Games.

``The Goodwill Games is a wonderful event, and everyone associated with the Boomers is looking forward to playing against the best teams in the world. We experienced the thrill of representing Australia in front of our own supporters at the Sydney Olympics and now we will enjoy the same experience in front of our fans in Brisbane.''

Newly appointed Boomers coach Phil Smyth vowed to give the USA a run for its money in Brisbane.

``We are excited by the opportunity to face such a great field of countries,'' Mr Smyth said.

``The United States is the clear benchmark in international basketball, and we welcome the challenge of facing them again. Playing in Brisbane will be a great opportunity for the Boomers to show the Australian public what we can achieve. A gold medal game with the Boomers facing the USA would be a great outcome for the players, the Goodwill Games and importantly, the fans.''

USA players who have competed in previous Goodwill Games include the renowned David Robinson, Elton Brand, Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues, Tim Duncan, Michael Finley, Wally Szczerbiak, Alonzo Mourning and Andre Miller.

In addition to the Australian and USA teams, the Goodwill Games contest will see a further six teams compete, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, New Zealand and Puerto Rico.

The teams will be divided into two groups and compete in a round-robin format at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 3 - 9.

Goodwill Games Inc. President Mike Plant said he was looking forward to what would be a terrific eight-team tournament in Brisbane.

``These teams represent the best available talent and should provide great regional appeal for the competition,'' Mr Plant said.

2001 Goodwill Games Chief Executive Campbell Rose was thrilled with the commitment from all teams competing.

``The intense rivalry between the Boomers and the United States as well as the strength of other teams including Puerto Rico and Argentina, will make for an adrenaline-packed atmosphere for our spectators,'' Mr Rose said.

``The exciting team line-up will ensure basketball is one of the most popular sports showcased during the 2001 Goodwill Games.''

USA Basketball Executive Director Jim Tooley was excited to have Saunders on board.

``USA Basketball is very excited to have Flip as our Goodwill Games head coach,'' Mr Tooley said.

``He has done a tremendous job coaching at all levels, and the experience and respect he has garnered during his career will be a great asset to our team this summer.''

Mr Saunders said he was ``deeply honoured and excited'' to be named coach for the 2001 Goodwill Games; ``I look forward to serving as an ambassador for USA Basketball. Anytime the NBA gets a chance to showcase its talent on a world stage, it is a great opportunity for our league.''

Media contact:
Nikki Todd, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2045 / Mobile: 0408 011 204

Kevin Diggerson, Basketball Australia
Ph: 03 9555 8788 or 0413 521 103

Back to Australia News Archive