The Boomers' quarterfinal exit at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games marked the end of an era. Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, and coach Brian Goorjian defined two decades of green and gold basketball, highlighted by the bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

But Los Angeles 2028 will almost certainly feature a new generation. The question is, who leads them?

The core locks

Josh Giddey is the obvious centrepiece, a 6'8 playmaker who will be entering his prime. The Boomers' future should continue to revolve around his ability to orchestrate the offence, a role he already embraced in Paris, where he averaged 17.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on just under 50 per cent shooting.

Josh Giddey was on fire early. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Josh Giddey was on fire early. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Dyson Daniels showed in Paris that he's a high-level two-way guard, and his defensive versatility complements Giddey perfectly. What makes Daniels even more intriguing heading into LA is that his offensive game is catching up fast. By the end of the 2024–25 NBA season, his points per game were more than double what he averaged the previous year. He's grown more comfortable as a secondary playmaker and spot-up shooter, giving the Boomers balance at both ends of the floor.

Jock Landale remains the Boomers' first-choice centre, valued for his screening, reliable hands, and ability to finish or stretch defenses when switched onto.

Meanwhile, Dante Exum is a plug-and-play guard who can either lead second units or elevate the tempo next to Giddey, provided his body holds up, given his age of 35 in 2028.

On the wings, Josh Green and Matisse Thybulle still offer length, activity, and off-ball value.

And while Duop Reath doesn't fit a 'traditional' mould, he provides valuable floor spacing as a stretch big, giving the Boomers a different look off the bench when Landale sits.

The power forward

If Paris taught anything, it's that Australia needs more at the four. Rebounding, versatility and spacing all have claims on that slot, and the answer might fluctuate series-to-series.

Jack McVeigh brings instant movement, shooting, and confidence in big moments.

Luke Travers and Xavier Cooks bring flexibility on both ends, with the length and mobility to guard multiple positions and contribute as secondary playmakers in a more up-tempo system.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Xavier Cooks of the Boomers acknowledges fans after the match between Australian Boomers and University Of Colorado Buffaloes at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on July 31, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Xavier Cooks of the Boomers acknowledges fans after the match between Australian Boomers and University Of Colorado Buffaloes at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on July 31, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Using Matisse Thybulle at power forward strengthens the perimeter defence and allows the Boomers to switch seamlessly across positions one through four.

Johnny Furphy and Alex Toohey are the long-term bets: scalable wings who can slide up or down a position if the catch-and-shoot holds.

There may not be a single 'right' answer, just different looks to solve different opponents.

The backup five debate

The second centre spot remains open. A safer option would be to rely on proven players, with Reath providing the stretch-big role, Will Magnay, or Sam Froling for size.

The developmental route leans into upside.

The Florida Gators' Alex Condon has the frame, mobility, and early signs of range to profile as a two-way FIBA big. He averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 49.3 per cent shooting in his sophomore season, showing he can impact the game at both ends.

Condon withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft Combine to return to the Gators for his junior year, a move that could accelerate his development by giving him more time to refine his skills before making the jump to the next level.

Rocco Zikarsky, 7'3, changes the geometry of the game as a rim deterrent and lob target. If his defensive reads improve, Australia suddenly owns a vertical safety net it hasn't had in years.

Lachie Olbrich offers a different look at centre, with face-up scoring ability and playmaking skills that could make him an option if his shooting continues to develop.

The scoring gap and the guards who can fill it

There's no cloning Patty Mills. But the scoring load can be redistributed.

Tyrese Proctor is a bigger guard who can run ball screens, shoot off the catch, and defend his position. Drafted 49th overall in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Proctor showed steady growth during his junior season at Duke, averaging 12.4 points, 2.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. Once projected as a lead guard, he now looks better suited as a combo guard. Proctor has the tools to become a natural fit alongside Giddey in the Boomers' backcourt.

Selected 35th in the 2024 NBA Draft, Johnny Furphy brings size, shooting, and athleticism to the wing. At 6'9, he fits the Boomers' long-term need for a reliable perimeter threat, capable of knocking down shots off movement while also sliding up to the four in smaller lineups.

The naturalised slot gets real

Bryce Cotton's long pursuit of citizenship has finally paid off, and it opens a fascinating option for the Boomers heading into LA. At 33, he remains one of the NBL's premier guards, a five-time MVP with three championships and eight scoring titles.

By the time the Olympics roll around, Cotton will be 36, but his game has always leaned on craft and shot-making more than raw athleticism. That profile suggests his impact could hold, and if Australia is serious about chasing its first Olympic gold, Cotton's experience could be helpful.

The Kyrie question (and reality check)

Kyrie Irving has publicly played around with the idea of representing Australia in 2028.

The on-court fit? Seamless.

Pathway? Complicated.

FIBA rules generally lock players to the country they represent after turning 17, and Irving has already won a World Cup MVP and Olympic gold for Team USA. There are narrow exceptions, but they're rare and political. It's a headline to monitor, not a plan to count on.

The verdict

The Boomers of 2028 won't rely on nostalgia; they'll be defined by size in the backcourt, depth on the wings, and a more efficient shot profile. If the power forward spot settles and a young big man develops as hoped, Australia should return to the podium. And if the shooting takes another step forward, a push for gold isn't out of the question.