THERE’S no better way to tune up for a tilt at the title than a warm up against the best.
Australia will battle the USA at Etihad Stadium next year in the lead-up to the FIBA World Cup, once again showcasing Victoria’s status as a desirable destination for all of Australia’s premier basketball outings.
These will be the “hot tickets” of 2019. Australia – featuring the likes of Ben Simmons, Andrew Bogut, Dante Exum and Matthew Dellavedova amongst other superstar Boomers. USA – “Aussie” Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Durant representing the best of basketball’s motherland. Two nights only in Melbourne at Etihad Stadium – as games of this magnitude needed the biggest space available to achieve this superstar match.
The great lengths gone to in getting this match on cannot be understated. It’s a phenomenal achievement and one worthy of recognition. Basketball Australia, the Victorian Government, USA Basketball and the NBL have all played pivotal parts in getting this clash across the line.
I am honoured to lead @BasketballAus as we announced the biggest event in our history today
After more than two years of working on this project, it feels great to finally share this…#BoomersUSA is a reality 🇦🇺🏀🇺🇸
— Anthony Moore (@AnthonyMoore) March 18, 2018
It is certainly big news and hasn’t our state gotten behind this idea already. It was phenomenal to wake up to the metropolitan newspapers splashing this monumental news across their mastheads as well as social media going into a frenzy over this coup for Victorian sport.
Today’s Sunday @theheraldsun front page pic.twitter.com/AAUg88cwyD
— Nick Papps (@SundayHSEditor) March 18, 2018
Lebron & Curry vs Simmons & Bogut – at Etihad Stadium. Twice. It's happening. Details for Boomers vs the USA here: https://t.co/vHxjMzrHWV
— The Age Sport (@theagesport) March 18, 2018
Basketball in the papers… back where it belongs. Such amazing news has spread instantly across the internet as everyone has gotten into the celebrations ahead of the biggest basketball fixtures on Australian shores since the 2000 Olympic Games.
Ryan Broekhoff celebrates the #BoomersUSA announcement at today’s special event at Etihad Stadium.
Ryan Broekhoff and Andrew Gaze spoke at the announcement this morning about brought the dual perspectives of anticipation from Broekhoff and his Boomers counterparts of the modern day and Gaze with his immense Australian representative history.
It’s an event that will resonate with basketball fans across the state, country and world. It speaks volumes of the direction of basketball in our country and the respect we’ve garnered on the world stage with both our Boomers and Opals in all facets of the game at all levels.
It will be a boon for the entire Australian basketball community as the world’s eager basketball fans tune in to the hit outs in August 2019. To see the USA recognise our status as an important destination in world basketball is just as exciting as the match itself.
NEWS: USA Basketball Men's National Team to face Australia in Melbourne exhibition games#USABMNT 📰 » https://t.co/3gMUeu5qk5 pic.twitter.com/Tdhx5Lhk0A
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) March 17, 2018
Our Boomers are definitely thrilled to see this idea evolve and flourish.
WATCH | @matthewdelly cannot wait to take on @usabasketball when the Boomers host them at @EtihadStadiumAU in @Melbourne in August, 2019!
More information: https://t.co/f1qsNdx1tE #BoomersUSA #GoBoomers #VisitMelbourne pic.twitter.com/jeYVQkbWtr
— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) March 18, 2018
This is a great reflection of just how far Australian basketball has come over the last few years. Well done to all involved! #BoomersUSA #VisitMelbourne https://t.co/tPnht6xdAl
— Daniel Kickert (@kicks14) March 18, 2018
So here’s to the next 18 months waiting for this incredible back-to-back basketball extravaganza to happen.
