The Olympic Games are once again upon us and basketball is one of the most popular and widely watched events.
First introduced to the Olympic program at the1936 Berlin Games, basketball – a fast-paced, team-oriented sport that demands coordination, strategy, and endurance – has seen significant evolution over the decades, with advancements in training, strategy, and international talent contributing to its dynamic nature.
Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, meet the Australian basketball teams.
How is Australia doing at the Paris 2024 Olympics in basketball?
Game 1: Australia vs Spain (Day 1: 26th July)
The Australian men’s basketball team kicked off their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign with a 92-80 victory over Spain in Group A.
At Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Jock Landale led the Boomers with 20 points, while Patty Mills added 19 and Josh Giddey 17. Spain’s Santi Aldama scored 27 points, briefly giving his team the lead in the third quarter.
However, Australia regained control, finishing the third quarter 69-60 and maintaining their momentum in the final quarter. This win avenges their Rio 2016 bronze medal match loss to Spain. The Boomers face Canada next in their group-stage match.
Who is in the Australian Olympic basketball team?
The women’s team (nicknamed the Opals), the men’s team (nicknamed the Boomers) and Australia’s first ever Olympic 3×3 basketball team (nicknamed the Gangurrus) all qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics!
On the women’s team, the Opals, are:
- Rebecca Allen
- Ezi Magbegor
- Isobel Borlase
- Alanna Smith
- Cayla George
- Steph Talbot
- Lauren Jackson
- Marianna Tolo
- Tess Madgen
- Kristy Wallace
- Jade Melbourne
- Sami Whitcomb
On the men’s team, the Boomers, are:
- Dyson Daniels
- Nick Kay
- Matthew Dellavedova
- Jock Landale
- Dante Exum
- Will Magnay
- Josh Giddey
- Jack McVeigh
- Josh Green
- Patty Mills
- Joe Ingles
- Duop Reath
And on the 3×3 team, the Gangurrus, are:
- Anneli Maley
- Lauren Mansfield
- Marena Whittle
- Alex Wilson
How many Olympic medals has Australia won previously for basketball?
Sadly, Australia has never won a Gold medal for basketball. We have won 3 Silver medals and 3 Bronze medals though.
At the 1996 Atlanta Games, the women’s team won Bronze. Then at the 2000 Sydney Games, the 2004 Athens Games and the 2008 Beijing Games, the women’s team won Silver.
The women’s basketball team also won Bronze at the 2012 London Games while the men’s basketball team won Bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games.