Former Gaels Prep For Olympics With Australian National Team

by SMC Athletics Staff | July 8, 2021

MORAGA, Calif. — With the Tokyo Olympics less than three weeks away from kicking off, the Boomers, Australia's National basketball team, is in the midst of preparations for the upcoming games in both Los Angeles and next week in Las Vegas.

The Boomers will be led by a trio of former Saint Mary's College men's basketball stars and one assistant coach on the bench for the Australian Team, giving the Gaels four representatives on one Olympic team.

Former Saint Mary's standouts Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova return to the squad that reached the semifinals in the Rio games in 2016. New to the team this year is former Gael Jock Landale, who will be making his first appearance in the Olympics with his home country. Mills will be making his fourth appearance, while Dellavedova will be making his third Olympic appearance.

Earlier this week, Mills was announced as the flag bearer for the opening ceremonies, making him the first Indigenous flag bearer in Australia history.

While the Gaels feature three former players on one team, SMC will also have former assistant coach and player Adam Caporn on the bench with Australia, making his second Olympics. The four former players representing one country is the most out of any college in the nation.

"It's impressive to have such a strong representation on one team," SMC head coach Randy Bennett said. "It shows how hard these guys have worked in their career, to get to a point to represent their country. It's something we are definitely proud of and we can't wait to watch them in the coming weeks."

Prior to the Olympics, the Australian team will compete in four exhibition games in Las Vegas next week, facing Team USA, Nigeria, Argentina. Exhibition games kick off on July 10 and run through July 16.

The Australians will make their 13th consecutive appearance in the Olympic men's basketball field, a streak dating back to 1968. The 12-team field is set and Australia will begin in Group B, with Nigeria, Italy and Germany.

Opening ceremonies for the Tokyo Olympics will be held on Friday, July 23. Men's basketball will tip off Sunday, July 25 and run through Saturday, August 7.

#GaelsRise – Join the men's basketball waitlist HERE to receive 2021-22 season ticket information, as Saint Mary's welcomes fans back to University Credit Union Pavilion this season.