Injuries and changes won't stop Boomers from winning FIBA Oceania series, says Andrej Lemanis

Australian boomers had a tough preparation for the FIBA Oceania Championship against New Zealand, losing two point guards due to injuries. However, despite the injury woes and lineup changes, Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis claimed the team is still confident heading into the two-game series with the Tall Blacks.

Lemanis has not had all 12 players at practice since the team returned to Australia last Friday, but the 46-year-old coach brushed off suggestions that any roster change will hurt Boomers’ chances of qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Lemanis said he expects a good battle from New Zealand, who have kept the same lineup throughout their FIBA Oceania preparations.

"It's just important the attitude that we take in. We're a good, talented side; we're a group that's played a lot of basketball together over the course of time,” Lemanis said, reports Nine MSN.

Boomers have dropped Utah Jazz point guard Dante Exum after suffering a torn ACL in the team’s international friendly in Slovenia. Perth Wildcats skipper Damian Martin was ruled out on Thursday after sustaining a calf injury during Australia’s practice earlier this week, while Golden State Warriors centre Andrew Bogut and Ryan Broekhoff rested Boomers’ recent training sessions because of soreness.

Earlier this week, San Antonio Spurs point guard Patty Mills answered the Boomers’ call to replace an injured Exum, while Cairns Taipans guard Cameron Gliddon ​was tapped as replacement for Martin. Mills was doing rehab work for his injured shoulder in Los Angeles, but he reassured the team he is ready for a physical game against the Tall Blacks.

Meanwhile, Lemanis said he is aware of New Zealand’s strength and capabilities in international competitions. Lemanis explained that the Tall Blacks know how to play together, presenting a danger with their shooting and offensive rebounding, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

"If you take something away in their offence then they understand the back cuts, counters and wrinkles in their offence, the nuances that can get you cheap baskets. That presents a danger,” Lemanis said.

Australia and New Zealand will have their second match of the FIBA Oceania series on Tuesday in Wellington.

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