MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Former Australia captain Andrew Gaze has welcomed Kyrie Irving’s bid to switch allegiance to the Boomers, though the chances of basketball authorities approving it remain uncertain.
Irving, born in Melbourne but a gold medalist with Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics, recently revealed he was exploring the process of becoming eligible to represent Australia.
Gaze believes the 32-year-old Dallas Mavericks guard would be a major asset for the Boomers, potentially teaming up with NBA stars like Dyson Daniels and Josh Giddey at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“The combination is mouth-watering, and we’re all excited,” Gaze told the Nine Network. “He’s been a superstar in the NBA for years. If he can maintain that level, wear the green and gold, and help us win a gold medal, why wouldn’t we be thrilled?”
Irving had previously considered playing for Australia at the 2012 London Olympics before opting to pursue a spot on Team USA’s roster. His switch would require approval from FIBA, USA Basketball, and Basketball Australia.
FIBA typically prohibits players from representing more than one nation unless “exceptional circumstances” apply, though some players, like Vassil Evtimov (France to Bulgaria) and Anton Gavel (Slovakia to Germany), have been granted exemptions.
Australia, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics but fell in the quarter-finals at Paris 2024, could benefit greatly from Irving’s experience.
“With the motivation he seems to have now, hopefully, we can convince FIBA to allow it,” Gaze added.
