A WARRNAMBOOL export's red-hot form in the NBL has resulted in a late call-up to the Australian Boomers' Olympic squad.
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Nathan Sobey, who is averaging 22 points a game for Brisbane, is in the squad for the Tokyo games after he was a shock omission from the original 24-player roster announced earlier this year.
Brisbane Bullets coach Andrej Lemanis, himself a former Australian coach, said Sobey's ability to harness his disappointment and produce career-best form was impressive.
"This is great recognition for the season Nathan is having and reflective of the growth we have all seen in him as a player and person," he said.
"It is also a great example for all those who encounter disappointment along their journey that you have a choice as to your response.
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"Blame and excuses are one choice, setting your mind to working and improving is another.
"It's clear which one gives you the best chance to change your circumstances in a positive manner. I'm thrilled for Nathan and for our club."
Sobey is second on the NBL's scoring table, just behind Perth Wildcats' Bryce Cotton (23 points per game).
The 2016 Warrnambool Seahawks championship-winning guard, who represented Australia at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, is now a chance to play for his country at the Olympics in July and August.
The former Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers player said he was thrilled his commitment and dedication to the NBL had kept him in the selection frame.
"It is always a special opportunity to have the chance to represent your country and I am very grateful to be picked for the squad," Sobey said.
"I was disappointed to miss out initially but chose to work harder and was really focused on playing well for the Bullets each week and leading by example."
Australian Boomers mentor Brian Goorjian, who coaches NBL team Illawarra Hawks, said Sobey's performances warranted a chance to be part of the national program again.
"Nathan's dominance and sustained consistency this season has been outstanding and led to his call-up to the Boomers squad," he said.
"I know that he was really disappointed at missing the initial squad but this didn't deter him and the way that he has responded and taken his game to another level is a lesson for all players and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
"It's great recognition and reward for Nathan and the Bullets who have provided a platform to excel.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do when he joins our squad in that environment."