'They've done it!' Boomers break their medal curse and make history in Tokyo

‘They’ve done it!’ Boomers break their medal curse and make history in Tokyo

Google Advertisements

The Australian Boomers have won their first ever medal at a major international tournament, beating out Slovenia for the bronze 107-93 on the back of an inspired 42 points by Patty Mills.

I promised in the bio I wrote for Aussie Hoopla well over five years ago that I may just cry if the Boomers ever medal, and I am proud to say it’s a promise that I kept for this team.

This day has come after a 21 year wait for me personally, and obviously infinitely longer for the program.

I remember the first full Boomers game I ever watched was Australia vs. USA in the pre-Sydney exhibition in Melbourne. I remember being impressed by how much we, as an underdog, really stuck it to them.

We spent a decade almost in the doghouse of international basketball, and then you saw these kids with potential – Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Aron Baynes, Matthew Dellavedova, and Andrew Bogut slowly but surely emerge through the ranks, getting better and better in each competition.

A few heart-breaking results between there and now, but this medal justifies the belief I have held the whole time, and even in the sport’s darkest moments, that Australian basketball was going to be a world power, and this medal solidifies and validates that belief.

This current Boomers stand on the shoulders of generations of Boomers who gave their all, put their bodies on the line, and put so much passion into that proud jersey. The list would be too long to compile.


But this medal also is for us. It’s for the fans who’ve held onto this team and believed in them when maybe the public didn’t. The ones that were there stressing out about the future when we didn’t qualify for the world cup in 2002. The ones who very literally cried and couldn’t get to sleep when we were ROBBED in 2016.

This medal validates everything that those who have put into this “minor” sport in this country have put in. We are on the podium now. All of us. The coaches, the players, the fans, and the next generation of kids who watched tonight’s game and have green and gold dreams of their own.

This is the greatest moment for Australian basketball. This is the f$#&king moon landing of Australian basketball!

No matter what happens in future campaigns, these Boomers will always be the first, the Neil Armstrongs and Buzz Aldrins of this great sport in this nation.

I could not be prouder. Savour this moment. To me, this bronze means as much as a gold. We’ve arrived.

“One small step for man….”

Jarrad Hurley (79 Posts)

Jarrad Hurley's professional basketball aspirations led him to the dizzying heights of the Adelaide social league circuit. After an epiphany that his hoop dreams would go unrealised, he put the ball down and picked up a pen. Jarrad lives vicariously through the successes of Australian basketball, is a mad 36ers fanatic, and might just cry if the Boomers ever medal.


Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Jamie O’Loughlin on NBL25 Coaching Trends, Strategies, and the Wildcats’ Back-to-Back Titles

    Jamie O'Loughlin, a veteran coach with championship experience at the Perth Wildcats and extensive work with the Cairns Taipans, joins the podcast to discuss the evolving coaching trends in the NBL and insights from NBL25. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. From noticing shifts in offensive and defensive strategies across the league to reflecting on his time helping the Wildcats secure back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017, O'Loughlin shares invaluable insights for basketball fans and aspiring coaches. He also breaks down the…

    READ MORE
  • Shawn Dennis on Whether Too Many Foreign Coaches Are Hurting the NBL, Plus Japanese Stars Who Belong in the NBL and Aussies Who Should Be Playing in Japan

    Shawn Dennis, head coach of Japan's Nagoya Dolphins, joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of Japanese basketball and its strong connection with Australian players and coaches. Since its launch in 2016, the B.League has become one of the highest-paying leagues worldwide, attracting both seasoned Australian coaches and NBL talent. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Dennis, going into his sixth season in Japan, joins host Dan Boyce to shed some light on how the NBL and B.League could benefit from closer…

    READ MORE
  • The 12,000-Seat Southport Stadium Set to Bring an NBL Team to the Gold Coast

    Plans for a new 12,000-seat stadium in Southport have injected momentum into the Gold Coast’s bid for an NBL franchise, positioning the city as a frontrunner for league expansion by 2027. Set to overlook the scenic Broadwater at Carey Park, the proposed stadium has sparked confidence among NBL officials that the region could sustain a national basketball team. NBL Chief Operating Officer Vince Crivelli expressed optimism, emphasizing that a world-class venue is essential for expansion. “We are encouraged and supportive of the exciting progress on…

    READ MORE
  • Dyson Daniels: The Defensive Maestro Fueling the Hawks’ Success

    Dyson Daniels is making waves in the NBA—not just with his scoring or playmaking, but through his relentless and disruptive defence. The Atlanta Hawks guard is currently ranked second in the NBA for steals, averaging 2.4 per game, and leads the league in deflections, making him a constant threat to opposing offences and a valuable asset for his team. This defensive prowess has been instrumental in the Hawks’ strong performances, including their 121-116 win over the New York Knicks today. In today’s game against the…

    READ MORE
  • Tommy Greer Steps Down as South East Melbourne Phoenix CEO

    In a major announcement, Tommy Greer, the foundation CEO of South East Melbourne Phoenix, has revealed his decision to resign after six successful seasons with the club. Greer, a pivotal figure in the Phoenix's establishment in 2018, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fostering its rapid growth within the National Basketball League (NBL). Interestingly, this announcement follows closely after the recent release of head coach Mike Kelly, marking a significant period of transition for the club. Just three weeks ago, AussieHoopla ran…

    READ MORE
  • Financial Collapse of Darwin Salties Likely Shuts the Door on NBL Expansion in NT

    The financial collapse of the Darwin Salties this week has all but closed the door on the possibility of an NBL expansion team based in the Northern Territory. Despite strong community support and government backing, the Salties have announced their withdrawal from the Queensland-based NBL1 North competition, citing unsustainable financial pressures. This development leaves the future of the club and the NT’s broader ambitions for professional sports in serious doubt. Founded in late 2021, the Salties quickly became a fan favourite, regularly filling stadiums and…

    READ MORE
  • Adelaide 36ers Lock in Montrezl Harrell for Rest of NBL Season

    Montrezl Harrell has officially committed to the Adelaide 36ers for the remainder of the NBL season. After a week of mounting speculation, Harrell’s agent, Darrell Comer of Tandem Sports & Entertainment, confirmed today that the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year has extended his contract, ensuring he will stay with the 36ers through the end of the season. Since joining the team, Harrell has made an impact both on and off the court. He's averaging 15.7 points on 55.6% shooting, along with 10.3 rebounds…

    READ MORE
  • New Wildcats Owner Mark Arena on the NBL Team Sale Process, Financial Upsides of Sports Ownership, and Expanding Basketball’s Reach in Asia

    New Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena joins the podcast to break down the intricate details behind purchasing an NBL team and his vision for the club's future. As a lifelong Wildcats fan and successful tech entrepreneur, Arena shares insights into the business side of sports ownership and how he plans to elevate the Wildcats' brand, both locally and internationally. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. In this episode, listeners will get an exclusive look into what it takes to acquire and manage…

    READ MORE
sekolahtoto sekolahtoto sekolahtoto SITUS TOTO LOGIN slot depo 5k sekolahtoto situs toto login SEKOLAHTOTO sekolahtoto sekolahtoto sekolahtoto SEKOLAHTOTO sekolahtoto sekolahtoto sekolahtoto sekolahtoto SEKOLAHTOTO SITUS TOGEL