The Boomers recorded a 107-87 friendly win over China with Paris hopeful Jack McVeigh doing his Olympic selection hopes no harm in the dominant win.
The 203cm forward McVeigh – the Tasmania JackJumpers’ grand final NBL MVP – led the way with 24 points, sinking six-of-eight three-point attempts to finish with a team-high 24 points in just 13 minutes off the bench.
Things got heated in the fourth quarter when Aussie NBA player Duop Reath appeared to headbutt on Chinese big man Runwang Du.
Du’s theatrics made it look worse than what it was, with Reath dealt a technical foul.
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“I love watching him play. He brings some energy,” McVeigh said of Reath.
“He’s a passionate dude and it’s fun being on the court with him.”
In front of 8142 fans at John Cain Arena, Boomers captain Patty Mills and fellow NBA star Josh Giddey were both in the starting five but rested in the second half as coach Brian Goorjian took the opportunity to give other players a run.
Reath (21 points, six rebounds), Xavier Cooks (10 points, seven rebounds, six assists) and Chris Goulding (14 points) were also strong contributors.
The Olympics would be a huge opportunity for McVeigh, in what would be his maiden appearance at the Games.
He dominated the NBL Championship Series to lead Tasmania to their maiden title in March, but is not getting carried away with his impactful performance.
“I feel like that’s what I do; I back myself in,” McVeigh said.
“It’s up to the coaches still at this point but I’m just trying to affect winning and help the Boomers win a medal.
“Right now, I’m not high though. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
“I’m going to show up to training tomorrow and get after it, then we’ve got another game on Thursday.
“If I make the team I’ll be locked in and ready to go to Paris.
“I just love playing basketball and I’m grateful I get to do it here.”
The Boomers were without Josh Green, Dante Exum and Jock Landale which opened the door for the likes of McVeigh to shine.
China raced to a fast start and led 32-25 at quarter-time on the back of five-of-seven shooting from deep.
But McVeigh’s impact off the bench was telling, dropping 10 points in the second period, helping the home side to a 51-48 lead at the main break.
He then busted the game wide open in the third quarter with more three-pointers as the Aussies went ahead 81-64 leading into the final period.
The teams meet again in Melbourne on Thursday night.