Basketball Australia rejects Boomers 'tanking' allegations

Basketball Australia has responded angrily to allegations that the Boomers deliberately lost a group match at the FIBA World Cup in Spain to avoid playing the United States in the round of 16.

In the wake of world basketball's ruling body launching an investigation into Australia's loss to Angola last Thursday (4th September), Basketball Australia released the following statement:

"Basketball Australia categorically rejects any suggestion that the Australian Boomers were a party to contriving the result of the 2014 FIBA World Cup game between Australia and Angola.

"The Australian Boomers went into the game against Angola to win – plain and simple.

"Claims to the contrary are widely speculative, insulting to the Australian sporting culture and to our playing group who gave their very best throughout this tournament. They’re downright wrong.

"Basketball Australia has put a strong and detailed case to FIBA outlining why the decision was made to rest injured players and restrict playing time for fatigued players during the last game day of Group D.

"That decision was supported by clear and definitive medical advice.

"The health and wellbeing of our players is paramount. The World Cup group stage schedule of five games in six days is, put simply, gruelling.

"It takes a significant toll on athletes – and is precisely the reason why FIBA allows a roster of 12 active players.

"Basketball Australia will cooperate fully with FIBA’s investigation.

"And let us be extremely clear on this point: we, as Australians, always compete the right way. The Australian Boomers are renowned for their tenacity, competitiveness and hunger to win.

"Basketball Australia supports a clean game, playing to win, and above all, integrity in the sport.

"As a world leader in integrity education, we welcome FIBA’s scrutiny – and we look forward to a resolution which closes the book on these fundamentally inaccurate allegations."

FIBA had earlier stated "the on-court behaviour displayed by Australia in that game (against Angola) generated huge disappointment by basketball fans and experts.

"It is widely suspected that Australia lost that game in order to avoid having to face the reigning world champions USA until the semi-finals."

Australia could face disciplinary action from FIBA over the matter.