Goorjian says Simmons could transform Boomers

Long-time Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian would love nothing more than to see Ben Simmons in the national side come the FIBA World Cup in 2027.

Simmons made a big step in his comeback journey in recent days, signing a deal with the NBA's Sacramento Kings, ending a break from the game that lasted close to one and a half years.

Goorjian spent years trying to lure Simmons into the Boomers fold, only to watch those plans repeatedly derailed by injury. Now, he's hopeful the star guard can finally pull on the green and gold.

"It's exciting and it is also great for the Boomers if we can add Ben to the side with this new energy alongside the likes of Giddey, Daniels and Landale," the seven-time NBL championship coach told CODE Sports.

"That flips the Australian team on its ear and makes it a totally different side because we don't have that piece."

While Simmons has drawn criticism for not playing with the Boomers previously, Goorjian said there were always other factors at play.

"I met with Ben and there was a genuine intent from him to play and we looked eye-to-eye," he said of a meeting between the pair in the lead-up to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

"I really thought he wanted to play for the Boomers but health has always played a role."

Simmons has signed a one-year deal in Sacramento, after drawing huge attention across the world last month as he lined up alongside other Australian stars in a mini-camp in Melbourne.

Read the full story here >> Ben Simmons handed NBA lifeline by Sacramento Kings