Selected: All-Time Boomers Starting Five

Three all-world three-point shooters and twin towers are in the Australian Boomers All-Time Starting Five. While it lacks quickness in transition it more than makes up for in SIZE, basketball IQ and scoring.

This line-up is BIG: 6'0"; 6'7"; 6'9"; 7'0"; and 7'2". Yowsers.

Andrew Gaze at the 2, Australia's all-time leading scorer at the Olympic Games, Patty Mills at the 1, Australia's second all-time leading scorer and knock-down three point shooter Joe Ingles at the 3 means Andrew Bogut and Luc Longley have plenty of room to operate in the paint. While Longley isn't a primary scorer, he's an exceptional passer out of the post (playing with Michael Jordan in the triangle will do that). Bogut playing off Longley makes Australia's front line big. Two passing seven-footers clogging the lane, surrounded by three players who can flat out shoot it would make this team very, very competitive. Don't forget the NBA Championship experience of Longley, Bogut and Mills with the ultimate Australian winner in Gaze put's the team's overall IQ off the charts.

There are numerous other Aussie stars that are right there such as Shane Heal, Matt Nielsen, Chris Anstey, Ian Davies, Eddie Palubinskas, Mark Bradtke and Phil Smyth. They'd all, without doubt, come off the bench but as far as starters go, this All-Time Starting Five is a tough line-up to make.

1. Patty Mills (Point Guard)

• Full Name: Patrick Sammy Mills
• Born: August 11, 1988, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
• Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
• Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
• Achievements: NBA Champion (2014, 2024), Olympic bronze medalist (2021), Boomers Captain, second all-time leading scorer for the Boomers in Olympic history.

Patty Mills is the heart and soul of Australian basketball. Known for his clutch performances and relentless energy, Mills has been a cornerstone of the Boomers for more than a decade. His crowning moment came during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he led Australia to its first-ever Olympic medal (bronze), scoring a 42 points in the decisive game. Mills' ability to score in bursts, particularly from beyond the arc, makes him one of the most dangerous guards in international basketball. Off the court, his leadership and cultural influence have made him a role model for younger players, emphasising the importance of teamwork and pride in representing Australia. An NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, Mills has demonstrated his ability to shine on every stage, making him a must-have in the Boomers' All-Time Starting Five.

2. Andrew Gaze (Shooting Guard)

• Full Name: Andrew Barry Casson Gaze
• Born: July 24, 1965, Melbourne, Victoria
• Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
• Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
• Achievements: Australian national team captain (1994-2000); FIBA World Championship second-highest scorer ever with 23.9 points average (1994); Named one of FIBA's 50 Greatest players (1991); Australian record of 5 Olympic participations for a basketball player (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000); Second best Olympic scorer with 23.9 points per game (1988); FIBA Hall of Fame (2013); and 6-time Australian International Player of the Year (1990, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 and 2000)

Andrew Gaze is the undisputed legend of Australian basketball. With a storied career spanning more than two decades, Gaze is a five-time Olympian and Australia's all-time leading scorer in Olympic basketball history. Gaze averaged 23.9 points per game at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Gaze could fill it up at a high clip making him nearly impossible to guard. Gaze’s contributions extended beyond his scoring; he was a true leader, inspiring teammates with his relentless work ethic and dedication to the game. In addition to his international success, Gaze dominated the NBL, winning seven MVP awards and establishing himself as one of the league’s greatest players. His brief stint with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 earned him an NBA Championship ring, further cementing his legacy. Known for his passion and love for the game, Gaze's impact on Australian basketball is immeasurable, making him the ultimate shooting guard for this All-Time Starting 5.

3. Joe Ingles (Small Forward)

• Full Name: Joseph Howarth Ingles
• Born: October 2, 1987, Adelaide, South Australia
• Height: 6'9" (206 cm)
• Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Achievements: Olympic bronze medalist (2021), one of the NBA's most reliable role players, Boomers leader at multiple FIBA tournaments.

Joe Ingles embodies versatility and composure. With his ability to play multiple positions, Ingles has been a key figure for both the Boomers and in the NBA. Known for his elite basketball IQ, Ingles excels in creating plays for his teammates while being a reliable scoring option himself. His three-point shooting, court vision, and defensive grit make him a valuable asset in any lineup. During the Tokyo Olympics, Ingles was instrumental in securing the Boomers’ historic bronze medal, providing leadership and clutch performances. In the NBA, Ingles has earned a reputation as one of the league's most consistent role players, with stints at the Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic. His calm demeanour under pressure, combined with his ability to contribute in all facets of the game, makes him a perfect fit as the all-time small forward for the Boomers' All-Time Starting Five. And it's always good to have a leftie in the line-up.

4. Andrew Bogut (Power Forward)

• Full Name: Andrew Michael Bogut
• Born: November 28, 1984, Melbourne, Victoria
• Height: 7'0" (213 cm)
• Weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
• Achievements: No. 1 NBA Draft Pick (2005), NBA Champion (2015), All-NBA Third Team (2010), Olympic bronze medalist (2021).

Andrew Bogut’s physicality and basketball IQ makes his move to power forward any easy on in this All-Time Starting Five. As one of Australia’s most successful NBA players, Bogut was a defensive anchor and a key playmaker during his time with the Golden State Warriors, where he won an NBA Championship in 2015 with Steph Curry. For the Boomers, Bogut’s impact was just as significant. His ability to dominate the boards, protect the rim, and facilitate from the post gave Australia a dynamic edge in international competitions. Bogut’s leadership and professionalism set a standard for Australian athletes aspiring to compete at the highest level. Whether setting hard screens, finding cutting teammates, or finishing with finesse around the rim, Bogut’s influence extended far beyond traditional stats. Bogut made his Olympic debut at the 2004 Athens Games, where he started and delivered impressive performances, averaging 13.7 points, nine boards, and 1.2 blocked shots per game while shooting an impressive 58% from the field. He continued to represent Australia at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, where he led the Boomers in scoring and rebounding, averaging 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. The team advanced to the Round of 16 before being eliminated by the United States. Bogut returned as a starter for the Boomers at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but missed the 2012 London Games after breaking his ankle during the 2011–12 NBA season. He played a key role in the team’s strong campaign at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the Boomers narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in fourth place. His presence at power forward provides this lineup with an elite defensive and playmaking cornerstone.

5. Luc Longley (Center)

• Full Name: Lucien James Longley
• Born: January 19, 1969, Melbourne, Victoria
• Height: 7'2" (218 cm)
• Weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
• Achievements: Three-time NBA Champion (1996-1998), the first Australian to play in the NBA, key player for the Chicago Bulls dynasty.

Luc Longley’s size, skill, and experience at the five makes him a lock in this All-Time Boomers starting five. Standing at 7'2", Longley was Australia’s first player to make a significant impact in the NBA, winning three championships with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan. He made his debut for the Australian national basketball team in 1988 and served as the team’s preferred starting centre whenever he was available during the next 12 years. He represented Australia at three Summer Olympic Games (1988, 1992, and 2000) and competed at the 1990 FIBA World Championship, cementing his status as a key figure in the Boomers’ lineup during his international career. Longley's ability to defend, rebound, and score efficiently in the post was vital to the Bulls’ dominance in the late 1990s. Longley brought those same attributes to the Boomers, where his passing ability and basketball IQ allowed him to be a focal point of the offense. As a pioneer for Australian basketball, Longley’s contributions go beyond his on-court achievements. He inspired a generation of Aussie players to believe they could compete on the world’s biggest stages. With Longley anchoring the paint, this all-time lineup boasts an unbeatable combination of size, skill, and experience.

Size, shooting and high IQ is what makes this All-Time Starting Five extraordinary. Yes, there are issues with foot speed outside of Mills but Longley and Bogut dominating the boards would nullify more transition than it would allow. Getting into the half court on both ends of the floor would put this line-up in a great position to be successful.

How amazing would it have been to see them play.

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.