Australia

Aron Baynes to miss remainder of Tokyo Olympics with neck injury in Boomers’ win over Italy


Australian basketballer Aron Baynes will miss the remainder of the Tokyo Olympics after suffering a neck injury in the Boomers’ win over Italy.

The Australian Olympic team confirmed the news this morning.

The injury occurred during the second half of the Boomers’ three-point win over Italy on Wednesday.

Baynes was taken to a local hospital where he underwent a series of tests and is expected to recover in a few weeks, but not in time to return to the court in Tokyo.

The Boomers centre said he was disappointed he wouldn’t be able to continue in the competition, but said he was confident the Boomers could still go all the way.

“I, along with the rest of the team, have been working so hard in our quest for an historic Olympic medal and I am gutted that I can’t complete the journey with the boys,” Baynes said.

“But I have every confidence that they will get the job done”.

‘We are all hurting for him’

Aron Baynes scores for the Boomers in their clash against Italy at the Tokyo Olympics.(

Getty Images: Gregory Shamus

)

Baynes, who plays for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA, has been a key figure for the Boomers so far in Tokyo, and had 14 points and seven rebounds in their 86-83 win over Italy.

Head coach Brian Goorjian said it was a big blow for his team.

“Aron is a big part of our team and we are all hurting for him, but we have great depth in our squad and I have every confidence in the 11 remaining players,” he said.

“We will all stay focused on the task ahead … unfortunately, injuries can happen but this team is resilient and we will adapt.”

Boomers’ captain Patty Mills said It would be a tough loss for his side just two games into the competition.

“His presence on the floor and physical play has been a big part of our identity for so long, and that will be missed,” Mills said.

“But it doesn’t change our focus and how we go about our business and what we have come to achieve.”

A man wearing a yellow top holds a basketball
Patty Mills says the Boomers remain confident they can win gold without Baynes.(

Getty Images: Tim Clayton

)

Mills said the playing group remained confident it could win a medal for Australia.

“We have always spoken about how important each player’s role is, and the impact it can have for the better of our group because of our depth. That doesn’t change,” he said.

“We’ve got Baynsey’s back. We’ll cover for him.

“I have every confidence in this playing group and our focus will not waiver as we strive for that Olympic gold medal.”

The Boomers are unbeaten so far in Tokyo after their wins over Nigeria and Italy.

Their next pool game is against Germany tomorrow at 6:20pm AEST.



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