“There is an emphasis on defence. We are good on offence too,but defence is where we are going to take some strides and try to be the best in the tournament.”
Exum is champing at the bit to get onto the court after a calf injury and a trade to Houston meant he only played six NBA games this season.
The Boomers face Argentina on Sunday in a four-team tournament in Las Vegas also involving Team USA and Nigeria.
Newcomers Matisse Thybulle,Josh Green and Duop Reath will make their Boomers debuts.
“In my head,I’m good to go,” Exum said. “I looked it up today,I haven’t played in 186 days. So it’s definitely smart to manage me in some small capacity,but I’m going to play and see how I feel.”
Boomers veteran Matthew Dellavedova knows Exum well,having played with him at Cleveland Cavaliers,and he loves what he has seen in camp.
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“He’s had a tough run with injuries but has always been committed to the Boomers,” Dellavedova said.
“He’s getting into the paint,getting to the rim and being aggressive at the defensive end. He’s really enjoying this and I’m excited to see what he can do for us.”
Dellavedova is one of the leaders and,entering his third Olympics,he and veterans such as Patty Mills,Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes are setting the tone for the team.
“Everybody understands what the goal is and that’s to win a gold medal,” Dellavedova said.
“They know how tough it will be and how we have to prepare. It’s been fun and competitive on the floor and it will be good to play some other opposition.”
Dellavedova also reiterated his excitement about signing with NBL club Melbourne United when he decides to come home from the NBA.
“I really appreciate them being flexible and,you know,allowing me to explore NBA free agency and look at those options,” he said.
“Once we kind of get to that point,then I can come home and play with them.”
The Boomers play Argentina on Sunday at 1.30pm AEST with ESPN showing the game live.