Anstey Gone
Tagged in: Tall Blacks
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/07/layup-fiba-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943
The Australian Boomers have lost another star from their Olympic qualifying showdown against the NZ Tall Blacks with the withdrawal of veteran centre Chris Anstey from their 10-day training camp on the Gold Coast.
Anstey, a former NBA performer and 2006 NBL Most Valuable Player, pulled out of the 18-man squad, saying he was incapable of meeting the high physical demands of a training camp, followed by an international tour and a three test series.
The Boomers are gearing up for the 2007 FIBA Oceania Menís Championship against New Zealand on August 20, 22 and 24 in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for the right to play in Beijing in 2008.
Last month the Boomers toured China and won a Four-Nations tournament against teams from Italy, Croatia and the host nation.
South Dragons centre Matt Burston (2.10m) has been named as Ansteyís replacement.
ìMy knees were pretty ordinary last year and I had a neck injury as well and theyíve taken a good three months to rehab fully and in that time I could do next to nothing,î Anstey said.
ìI left it to the last minute to try to do what I could but I didnít have the time to get my body right. To be ready for an international tournament you have to be playing well.î
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian, who has already had to cope with the withdrawal of stars CJ Bruton, Matthew Nielsen and Andrew Bogut due to injury, remains focused on the task at hand.
ìIím disappointed to lose another piece of the puzzle,î Goorjian said. ìNew Zealand definitely has a few advantages over us that weíll have to overcome to win this series.
ìThey have their best players available and theyíre all comfortable with each other and somehow weíll have to combat that.
ìIím excited about the challenge and Iím excited that I know the guys who will be at the camp really want to be there.î
