Josh Giddey slams Australian basketball kit for Paris 2024
NBA star Josh Giddey has criticised Australia’s Olympic basketball kit labelling it “an absolute joke” on Wednesday. However, officials clarified that the images circulating online depicted a replica collection and not the exact attire that will be worn 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard voiced his dissatisfaction, joined by fellow Boomer Jock Landale, while fans also expressed their disapproval on social media. Giddey stated, “Lol absolute joke,” writing on social media platform X. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets’ Landale chimed in, expressing his dislike for the kit and humorously stating, “Looks like we’re off to throw a javelin.”
Retired Australian basketball star Andrew Bogut didn’t hold back in his critique, delivering a scathing remark, “AOC had Stevie Wonder do the uniforms,” in reference to the visually impaired acclaimed musician. The sleeveless jerseys are predominantly yellow with green accents around the neckline, displaying the word “Australia” on the front alongside Indigenous artwork.
Player manager Daniel Moldovan also offered a harsh critique of the uniforms. “Let’s just call a spade a spade – yet another embarrassment for a team full of NBA players at the peak of their sport,” he said. “Our guys are going to be dressed like marathon runners. If the old adage of ‘Look good feel good’ has a modicum of truth to it, then our guys are going to be feeling like trash.
The Australian Boomers and Opals are set to roll out these Asics uniforms at the Paris Olympics👀🇦🇺🏀
Let us know what you think!#AussieHoops
#Paris2024
#Basketball
#Asics
pic.twitter.com/HskCQC6eMx— The Pick and Roll 🇦🇺🏀 (@PickandRollAU) June 11, 2024
Some Boomers past and present chime in on the Australian Olympic Team basketball uniform designs by @ASICSaustralia 😮#AussieHoops
#EllezAUS
#Paris2024
pic.twitter.com/8OgvG2pd7l— The Pick and Roll 🇦🇺🏀 (@PickandRollAU) June 12, 2024
“We are an international laughing stock. Whoever green lit these marathon runner uniforms for the Boomers and should have their citizenship revoked. What the f*** is this abomination?.”
According to an AOC spokesperson speaking to AFP, the images depict a replica kit accessible to the public, differing from the attire the players will wear. The official uniforms promised to offer a better fit and be crafted from different materials.
“The athlete comments relate to images of a replica range on sale to the general public, not the competition kit the players will wear in Paris,” the AOC said. “There is a significant difference between the high-performance product for athletes and an affordable replica range for members of the public.”
Three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics, Australia suffered defeat to the United States in the semi-finals but bounced back to secure a bronze medal by defeating Slovenia in the third-place playoff.