In less than a month Joe Ingles hopes to lead the Australian Boomers to their first ever Olympic Medal, but it seems Ingles has decided to start winning now as he led his team Regal FC Barcelona to its 17th Spanish League championship (ACB) on Sunday.
One man who knows plenty about winning overseas is Australian Basketball legend Shane Heal who after hearing of the Ingles achievement said “I believe the NBA title, Olympic and World Championships Gold Medals or Euro League title would be the only things bigger”. Chris Anstey took to twitter to congratulate Ingles on his success and tweeted “Not sure many people realise how big an achievement that is. Congrats mate, on to London”.
Joe Ingles, now a two time Spanish league champion after winning the ACB in 2011 is one of only two Australian’s to have ever win the ACB championship, the other being David Andersen who was a part of the FC Barcelona’s 2009 championship. Ingles delivered 8 points, 2 assists and 1 rebound to ensure a 73-69 victory for Regal FC Barcelona against Real Madrid in the series clinching Game Five of the ACB Championship. The victory no doubt offsets the team’s loss in the semi-finals of the Euroleague championship to eventual champion Olympiacos only a month ago.
The Celebrations begin for Joe Ingles and FC Barcelona
Ingles has been one of Australia’s best players currently performing overseas and will play a huge role in the Australia Boomers hopes in London. After Boomers Coach Brett Brown made the bold statement “We want a medal” this week, the Boomers have a lot of work to do in a short period of time as players considered locks for the Olympic squad like Ingles, Patty Mills, David Andersen, Brad Newley, Aleks Maric and AJ Ogilvy have yet entered the team.
In preparation for the Olympics the Boomers will face Greece in a three-game series across Victoria this month. Hopefully Ingles can add the title of being one of the first Aussie’s to win an Olympic medal besides this latest addition to an impressive basketball resume.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
