Hindi na rin sasama si Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons sa lalahukang exhibition games ng Australia bilang paghahanda para sa FIBA World Cup.
Una na ring umatras ang Melbourne-born star sa World Cup sa China, na magsisimula sa Agosto 31, upang paghandaan ang susunod na NBA season.
“After talking with (Australia) coach Andrej (Lemanis), we both agreed it was better for me to not participate in this year’s 2019 World Cup and exhibition games,” pahayag ni Simmons.
“With our focus being to win a medal at the 2020 Olympics, the Boomers’ preparation in the lead-up to the world championships is of the utmost importance.
“Me not playing allows the team to create the chemistry they need to compete at the highest level and qualify for the Olympics.”
Otomatikong makakapasok sa Tokyo Olympics ang top seven finishers ng World Cup, habang ang sumunod na 16 ay sasalang sa qualifying tournaments.
