Australia’s national team, the Boomers, faces a setback as Jock Landale has been ruled out of FIBA World Cup due to a lateral ankle ligament injury.
The news was confirmed by a Basketball Australia spokesperson, per Olgun Uluc of ESPN, stating that Landale had undergone an MRI, which thankfully revealed no other significant concerns.
While the injury will keep Landale from participating in the World Cup campaign alongside his Boomers teammates, there’s a silver lining. Landale is expected to embark on his rehab journey in Houston this week and is optimistic about being ready for the Rockets’ training camp.
Boomers’ head coach Brian Goorjian expressed the team’s collective disappointment over Landale’s absence, noting his significant role in the team’s culture.
“The team is really hurting for Jock. He’s a big part of the culture in this team and everybody loves him. He was really excited about this, so it’s a real kick in the guts, but as far as our belief – that hasn’t waned,” Goorjian said.
Australia’s national team is slated to compete in Group E of the FIBA World Cup, pitted against Finland, Germany, and co-host Japan.
