Boomers star pulls out with mental health issues

Ryan Broekhoff has pulled out of Australia's Olympic basketball campaign citing mental health issues.

The 30-year-old sharpshooter is one of two late withdrawals from Australia's 19-man squad that will travel to Tokyo in the hopes of securing an elusive Olympic medal, with big man Isaac Humphries also sitting out in order to continue rehabbing a foot injury.

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Broekhoff has been a mainstay in the Boomers' squad, playing key roles in the 2016 Olympic campaign as well as in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

"For me to play at my best I need to be mentally and physically firing, and I'm not there right now," Broekhoff said in a Basketball Australia statement.

"My mental health is something I have struggled with for a long time and I think it's important for me to put my hand up and admit when things aren't ok and that it is time to seek help.

"To play at this level, the team needs me to be 100 per cent, I can't in all good conscience say that I'm in a place to deliver that.

"Everyone who knows me understands the gut-wrenching decision this is, as representing my country is the highest honour I have had in my career. I know that Goorj [coach Brian Goorjian] and the team can bring home the gold and I will be cheering on from home."

Broekhoff played for the Dallas Mavericks between 2018 and 2020, making 59 appearances and shooting 40.3 per cent from three-point range, before he was signed and subsequently waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Broekhoff's absence is potentially a big blow to a Boomers squad that is already bracing to be without Ben Simmons with the NBA All-Star opting to focus on developing his game following a disappointing playoff campaign with the 76ers.

Brian Goorjian's original 19-man squad has been trimmed down to 16 and will be further streamlined to a list of just 12 players who will travel to Tokyo.

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

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