THE Boomers will need to claim their first ever Olympics medal without key big-man Aron Baynes, who's been ruled out of the remainder of the Tokyo campaign with a neck injury.
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Baynes and fellow big Jock Landale were key in their sides' win over Italy on Wednesday night before the Toronto Raptors centre reportedly exacerbated a neck injury suffered during the game in a locker-room fall.
It saw him treated in hospital and leaves coach Brian Goorjian without his foundational front-court chip for the remainder of the Boomers medal push.
"I am really disappointed that I can't continue in the Olympics," Baynes said.
"I, along with the rest of the team, have been working so hard in our quest for an historic Olympic medal. I am gutted that I can't complete the journey with the boys, but I have every confidence that they will get the job done."
With Ben Simmons having chosen not to go to Tokyo, it robs Goorjian of further NBA experience.
Landale and Nick Kay were among the Boomers best against Italy and will need to lift, while Goorjian will now look further to Duop Reath who will join him at the Hawks in Wollongong next NBL season.
"Aron is a big part of our team and we are all hurting for him, but we have great depth in our squad and I have every confidence the 11 remaining players," Goorjian said.
"We will all stay focused on the task ahead. Unfortunately injuries can happen, but this team is resilient and we will adapt."
Captain Patty Mills, who won an NBA championship with Baynes in San Antonio in 2014, echoed the sentiment.
"It's a tough loss for us," Mills said.
"His presence on the floor and physical play has been a big part of our identity for so long and that will be missed, but it doesn't change our focus and how we go about our business and what we have come to achieve.
"We have always spoken about how important each player's role is, and the impact it can have for the better of our group because of our depth. That doesn't change. We've got Baynsey's back. We'll cover for him.
"I have every confidence in this playing group and our focus will not waiver as we strive for that Olympic gold medal."
Currently 2-0 through the Group stage, the Boomers take on Germany on Saturday as they look to finish top of their pool.
Mitch Jennings
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
