Black’s back forces Commonwealth Games withdrawal

Brisbane Bullets guard Stephen Black has announced his withdrawal from the Australian Boomers squad for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

25-year-old Black has cited continuing lower back problems for his withdrawal.

“I’m very disappointed not to be a part of the Boomers program,” Black said.

“But I am physically unable to make the commitment to the lead up to the World Championships, which includes the Commonwealth Games.”

Black has played 14 matches for the Boomers, all in 2003. He has also played 34 Australian Junior Men’s games and 28 in the Australian Young Men’s team.

“I will be doing everything I can to be available to play for Australia in the future,” Black said.

West Sydney guard James Harvey is also a casualty of the program, undergoing shoulder surgery, missing out on the rest of the Philips Championship season and the Boomers preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

The Boomers will start as favourites for the gold medal at next year's Commonwealth Games, but will be strongly challenged by the New Zealand team.

Australian Boomers squad:
CJ Bruton (Sydney Kings), Jacob Holmes (Adelaide 36ers), Glen Saville (Wollongong Hawks), Jason Smith (Sydney Kings), Mark Worthington (Sydney Kings), Peter Crawford (Perth Wildcats), Brad Davidson (Hunter Pirates), Brad Newley (Townsville Crocs), Russell Hinder (Hunter Pirates), Oscar Forman (Adelaide 36ers), David Barlow (Sydney Kings), Greg Vanderjagt (Townsville Crocs), Luke Kendall (Sydney Kings), Pero Vasiljevic (West Sydney Razorbacks), Sam Mackinnon (Brisbane Bullets), Neil Mottram (Melbourne Tigers), Tony Ronaldson (Perth Wildcats), Chris Anstey (Melbourne Tigers), Adam Caporn (Wollongong Hawks), Larry Davidson (Hunter Pirates).

Coaching Staff
Brian Goorjian (head coach), Brendan Joyce (assistant coach), Rob Beveridge (assistant coach), Nic Mercer (operations manager).

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