Shockwaves were sent across the Australian basketball community recently, with the announcement of the Boomers team for the Paris Olympics containing a number of surprise decisions.
Former NBL MVP and Sydney Kings marquee player Xavier Cooks was left off the team, as was Boomers veteran and Melbourne United star Chris Goulding, both of whom were named in last year's FIBA World Cup squad.
But no choice caused as much controversy as the omission of Portland Trail Blazer Matisse Thybulle, who had become something of a cult hero for Aussie basketball fans in recent years.
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Why didn't Matisse Thybulle get selected for the Olympics?
On paper, Thybulle is one of the most credentialed players to ever suit up for the Boomers.
A five-year NBA veteran, he has already been named to two NBA All-Defensive Second Teams, and it was this defensive ability which caused Boomers fans to fall in love with him; his impact guarding Luka Doncic in the 2020 Olympic Bronze medal game in particular was a key part of gaining Australia's first men's major tournament medal.
He was also selected in the 2023 FIBA World Cup side, but his play somewhat regressed in this tournament, as did the rest of the team, as they bowed out in disappointing fashion to finish 10th.
However, come this year, Thybulle was still widely regarded as a lock for the Boomers squad heading to Paris - until the teams were announced.
Thybulle joined Cooks, Goulding, Jack White, and Dejan Vasiljeivc as members of the extended 17-man squad to not be selected for the final roster, to the dismay of Boomers fans.
According to ESPN's Olgun Uluc, the final roster spot came down to Thybulle and recently-traded Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, two defensively-minded wings who have both struggled to shoot the three-ball.
In the end, Daniels was given the edge due to perceived superior on-ball defensive chops.
The pressure will now be on the 21-year-old Olympic-debutant to repay the faith shown by the coaching staff, with Daniels likely to play bulk minutes and guard opposing teams’ star players - the role previously held by 2020 Olympic starter Thybulle.
Fans react to Thybulle's Olympic snub
Fans were quick to react to the omission of Thybulle from the Paris squad, with many distraught that Thybulle would not be attending.
Some questioned the defensive ability of the Boomers sans-Thybulle, while others pointed to a lack of cohesion within the goup going forward.
Thybulle and Cooks missing out is a real surprise - Matisse in particular adds legitimacy to Goorjian’s statements that players wouldn’t be picked based on legacy. A key piece in the Tokyo bronze medal, but down on form and misses the cut. https://t.co/c3qhjXZcAl
— Jacob Doole (@JacobDoole) July 5, 2024
Matisse Thybulle being left off team Australia is a crime and somebody should go to jail for this.
— Shilo Joslin (@IReadTheScript) July 6, 2024
i hope there’s a reason behind matisse thybulle’s omission from that team…
— Emma 🏀👩🏽💻 (@EmmaTurnerBA) July 5, 2024
not only does it Suck™️ for our defense, he was a key part of the Boomers group in Tokyo. how are you carrying the torch forward by skipping out on him this time around 💔
AAAAAAAAAAAA
Huge congrats to all guys who made it. But Delly & Magnay will have more of an impact than Thybulle and Cooks? I respect Goorj, but I am stunned at this 12. To win a medal you have to be elite defensively & he just cut our best defender. Gonna be an interesting watch..
— Luke Cooper (@lukecooper14) July 5, 2024
One Boomers cut that does not sit well for me: Matisse Thybulle.
— Damian Arsenis (@DamianArsenis) July 5, 2024
It's not because he plays in the NBA - he is one of the premier defenders in the world, AND just 27 years of age.
I'd hate to think that we may have seen the last of Matisse in a Boomers jersey because of this.
To me, Goorj is overcompensating for the disaster in the World Cup with Landale being hurt by taking TWO extra bigs now in Kay and Magnay, when I think a Reath/Landale/Cooks consortium would've been enough.
— Ben Quagliata (@bensquag) July 5, 2024
As for Delly over Goulding or Thybulle, I have no words. None.
ESPN's Kane Pitman also questioned the decision to omit Thybulle, and also the choice not to include Bryce Cotton as the result of this.
Matisse Thybulle played just 14.5 MPG at the WC (9th in the team). I did not expect him to miss AT ALL, but with Dyson Daniels role to increase, positional crossover meant that someone would get squeezed. If it was a possibility though...a huge what if lingers for mine. pic.twitter.com/e4OUpanOMM
— Kane Pitman (@KanePitman) July 6, 2024
Australian Boomers roster for the Olympics
Despite Thybulle not being selected, the Boomers' Olympic roster contains a strong collection of NBA talent, from veterans Patty Mills and Joe Ingles to young rising stars such as Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey.
Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay will both fly the flag for the NBL - and the Tasmania JackJumpers - at the Games, as well as their Grand Final opponent in the return of Boomers icon Matthew Dellavedova.
| Name | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Dyson Daniels | G | New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) |
| Matt Dellavedova | PG | Melbourne United (NBL) |
| Dante Exum | G/F | Dallas Mavericks (NBA |
| Josh Giddey | PG | Chicago Bulls (NBA) |
| Josh Green | G/F | Dallas Mavericks (NBA) |
| Joe Ingles | SF | Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) |
| Nick Kay | PF | Shimane Susanoo Magic (JPN) |
| Jock Landale | C | Houston Rockets (NBA) |
| Will Magnay | C | Tasmania JackJumpers(NBL) |
| Jack McVeigh | SF | Tasmania JackJumpers (NBL) |
| Patty Mills | SG | Miami Heat (NBA) |
| Duop Reath | PF | Portland Trailblazers (NBA) |