Basketballer Angus Brandt, a Springwood native, has missed the cut for the Australian Boomers Olympic squad.
Although he was selected in the 26-player squad in March, the squad was further cut to 17 last Thursday. Those 17 will attend a selection camp in July.
Brandt is currently in Lithuania, playing for BC Neptunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League.
The 208cm, 112kg centre/forward has just signed a two-year deal with 2016 NBL champions Perth Wildcats and will return to Australia in June.
Although his Olympic dreams had been dashed, Brandt was staying positive.
“I’m pretty disappointed, but to be included in the larger squad was an honour in itself,” the 26-year-old said.
“I’m looking forward to getting rolling with Perth once things in Lithuania wrap-up.”
Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis said a coaching conference last week helped finalise the decision on the Boomers squad, while they also looked into the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
“The coaching staff had a discussion on what will give us the best opportunity for success and the players that make up that team,” he said.
“Several other factors come into it though including current form, previously proven experience with the Boomers, previous performances in the campaign since 2013, a familiarity with the team and the systems as well as team balance.”
