Join us » even a disciplinary hearing with NHL senior vice president of

Three key pillars of Australias Olympic basketball squad are united in their belief the Boomers can push for a drought-breaking medal at Rio - even gold.The Boomers have never won an Olympic medal, with their best result a fourth-place finish in 1988, 1996 and 2000.Boomers can win gold - in Tokyo, says GoorjianDespite being weakened by the withdrawal of 2016 No.1 NBA draft pick Ben Simmons and 2014 No.5 selection Dante Exum -- and the possible unavailability of important big man Andrew Bogut (knee) - the Boomers are full of confidence ahead of next months Games.As the squad went through its paces during a physical scrimmage in Melbourne on Saturday, key playmakers Matthew Dellavedova and Patty Mills, and coach Andrej Lemanis, were all adamant the Aussies could push for an elusive medal, and perhaps even shock the world by claiming gold.Our goals are to achieve something Australias never done before - to win a medal, San Antonios Mills said.Our goal is gold - weve dreamt about it from when we were little kids, laying in bed dreaming about it, getting that gold medal put around our necks on the podium. To put that into reality [would be amazing].Were going to the Olympics not to just participate, but to try to win a gold medal. We all believe in it. Thats the belief we have. I think its been more felt this time around than any other program Ive been involved in.Mills partner in crime Dellavedova, fresh off winning the NBA championship with Cleveland before a $US38.4 million move to Milwaukee, said he also had his sights firmly on the gold medal.The 25-year-old said Australias famous fighting spirit and team-first mentality would help the Boomers fight above their weight division at Rio.I think our camaraderie -- the things that make Australians Australian -- is what our big advantage is, he said. We have a lot of guys going well all over the world but when we come back [as a squad], theres only one goal, and thats to win. Weve played together for a number of years now, so the understanding on the court, our systems, we know each other on and off the court.Weve got the most guys weve ever had playing in the NBA, weve got guys playing at a really high level in Europe, the NBL is going as well as it has for a long time, so ... were not going to be intimidated by anybody.Delly excited by new Bucks team-mate Thon MakerA sign of that camaraderie was on display at Saturdays scrimmage, with Exum --who withdrew from the squad in June to focus on his recovery from a knee reconstruction in September last year - watching on intently from the sidelines, cajoling and cheering on the squad despite his unavailability for Rio.Lemanis - who will select his 12-man squad for Rio on Monday morning - said he was confident the team at his disposal could secure a podium finish.Absolutely, he said. Its something weve spoken about as a team and we believe we have enough talent and enough chemistry to go to Rio and be successful. I dont think its any secret that as a team weve set our sights on the gold medal.A key wildcard for the Boomers could be the inclusion of Bogut, who is battling bone bruising from last months NBA Finals series.His coach believes Bogut could be a key player even if he wasnt at full fitness for the Olympics.Hes such a difference-maker, his presence is so positive for the group ... so its worthwhile giving him every opportunity to play, Lemanis said.Even if he doesnt play any of the lead-in games, were still OK with that. Im OK with [Bogut playing at 60 or 70 percent fitness] - but its Andrews call, its something only he can make a call on. But if he says hes in, Im good with that.The Boomers will finalise their preparation for Rio with two games against an American College All-Stars side at Melbournes Hisense Arena?on July 12 and 14. Lanny McDonald Jersey . Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan scored shootout goals, and backup goalie Cam Talbot earned his second win in two nights as the Rangers shook off a late tying tally and beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 Monday night. Rene Robert Jersey . The defending champion beat Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (6), 6-3, while second-seeded Andy Murray of Britain dispatched Edouard Roger-Vasselin, also of France, 6-3, 6-3. Making his first appearance since injuring his wrist a month ago, Del Potro had difficulty with his service games in the first set. http://www.cheapavalanchechinajerseys.com/adam-foote-jersey/ . -- Jimmy Walkers first PGA Tour trophy came with a special gift tucked inside. Matt Nieto Jersey . Emery skated the length of the ice and fought an unwilling Holtby during the third period of the Flyers 7-0 loss Friday night in Philadelphia. He was given 29 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct. But Emery did not face even a disciplinary hearing with NHL senior vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan because rules 46. Youth Avalanche Jerseys . -- Edmontons Val Sweeting is two wins away from a trip to Winnipeg to play in Canadas Road of the Rings in December. MINNEAPOLIS -- A prosecutor has decided not to charge a Minnesota basketball player arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct in May.The Hennepin County Attorneys office said Monday that no charges will be filed against center Reggie Lynch.Spokesman Chuck Laszewski tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/2aKYq4g ) the office found insufficient evidence to prove that a crime was committed.Lynch was arrested May 8. He was released from jail when a 36-hour hold expired and the prosecutor delayed a decision onn whether to charge him.ddddddddddddLynchs attorney, David Valentini, tells The Associated Press he is very happy no charges will be filed.Minnesota earlier suspended the 21-year-old Lynch pending an investigation. The 6-foot-9 player from Edina didnt play last season as he sat out following his transfer from Illinois State.---Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com ' ' '

Nice post. I really love this type of post. Thanks for sharing.