Giddey, Exum, Magbegor, Madgen named

Tara Murray

Josh Giddey, Dante Exum, Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen have been named in Australia’s Olympic basketball squads.

Twenty-eight basketball players have secured their place on the Australian Olympic team with the Australian Olympic Committee announcing the Boomers, Opals and 3×3 Gangurrus squads for Paris 2024 on Sunday.

Giddy and Exum have been named in the Australian Boomers squad. The pair grew up in Yarraville and Seabrook respectively.

Twenty-one-year-old Giddey will make his Olympic debut in Paris.

“It’s an absolute honour to represent my country,” he said. “Making my debut in Paris is a childhood dream and I can’t wait to get on the court in front of my family and friends who have all made this journey possible for me.

“To be part of the Boomers legacy, well it’s everything. We have a really great group, we know what we need to do and we are just ready to get into it.”

It will be Exum’s second Olympics.

Madgen, who lives in Williamstown, will captain the Australian Opals squad.

Craigieburn-raised Magbegor will be part of her second Olympic team. She is currently playing in the WNBL with the Seattle Storm.

Opals Captain Tess Madgen drew on the legacy of the Opals to inspire the team going to Paris.

“I can’t believe I’m talking about going to my second Olympics, it feels very surreal,” she said. “I’m beyond honoured and excited to represent Australia, everyone who knows me will tell you that it brings me to tears, every time.

“We have the absolute best team of athletes, we are much more than a team, we are a sisterhood and we carry with us all the Opals from the past and we draw on their strength. Every time I put on the green and gold it gives me goosebumps, it’s hard to really put into words what it means. We are all so grateful to be here and make no mistake we are very hungry so bring on Paris.”