NBL star Jack McVeigh was the surprising stand-out as Australia’s Boomers began preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a 107-87 win over China.
In just 13 minutes off the bench, the Tasmania JackJumpers’ finals MVP led the way with 24 points (9/13 field goals, 6/8 threes) as he continued a strong camp.
Duop Reath had 21 points while Chris Goulding added four threes off the bench.
The nations will face off again on Thursday night.
Watch the Australian Boomers and Opals’ Olympic warm-up games against China, Tuesday to Friday from 7:30pm AEST, on Foxtel and Kayo via ESPN. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
The first of two games against their Asian rivals is a critical test for the 17-man squad as coach Brian Goorjian prepares to make the toughest cut, down to just 12.
There are 10 members of the Australian squad who won bronze at the Tokyo Games looking to make a repeat appearance, while Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey are bidding for their first selections.
A number of impressive NBL performers are also looking to push their way into a squad that is undergoing a period of transition, including Xavier Cooks, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Dejan Vasiljevic and Jack White.
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Jock Landale, Josh Green and Dante Exum were rested for the game with limited minutes expected for Giddey.
The starting line-up was Matisse Thybulle, Josh Giddey, Patty Mills, Xavier Cooks and Duop Reath.
Defensive issues saw Australia trailing 32-25 at the opening break, before Jack McVeigh quickly began pushing his case for selection, adding some much-needed shooting off the bench.
McVeigh had 13 points with three threes in just eight minutes in the opening half, with NBL commentator Jack Heverin argued he was “punching his ticket to Paris as we speak”.
The Aussies led 51-48 at halftime, with Duop Reath leading all comers with 14 points.
By the end of the third, McVeigh had 24 points on six-of-eight from three-point range in less than 13 minutes on the court.
Australia’s 17-man squad
Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Chris Goulding, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Patty Mills, Duop Reath, Josh Green, Jock Landale, Matisse Thybulle, Dyson Daniels, Josh Giddey, Xavier Cooks, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jack White
Source Agencies
