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D’Tigers, in that 39-point loss to the Boomers, were a far cry from the team that had beaten the top-ranked United States and Argentina a few days earlier in Las Vegas, but there were suggestions that Mike Brown’s side took their feet off the pedal against the Aussies, possibly with an eye on today’s clash.
Coach Brown may likely fall back on the starting-five that started the wins over the USA and Argentina (94-71) – Josh Okogie of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Miami Heat trio of Gabe Vincent, Precious Achiuwa, and KZ Okpala, as well as Ike Nwamu – but with Nwora’s undeniable prowess from three-point territory, the Golden State Warriors assistant coach may throw in the 22-year-old from the start to curtail the Aussies who have a habit of going all-out from the opening second of the first quarter.
Utah Jazz’s Joe Ingles and San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills are on their fourth Olympic team, Toronto Raptors’ Aron Baynes and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova are making their third appearance, and Chris Goulding is on his second trip to the Olympics.
Australia should finish top of Group B, as they have the most talent and experience, while D’Tigers will finish second ahead of the Italians and Germans, who will not be able to match Nigeria’s athleticism and speed.
After the group stages come to a conclusion at the start of August, though, and the Olympic organisers hold the draws for the quarterfinals and beyond, it will all come down to the luck of the draws to see who ends up winning a medal on August 7, when the men’s basketball event comes to a close..
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