MELBOURNE (Paulo Kennedy's View from Downunder) - In the past few weeks, I've written about some exciting youngsters - and not so youngsters - who are putting their hands up for national team duty once the new FIBA World Cup qualifying system tips of in 2017.

That's one of the exciting elements of the New Competition System, with NBA players unavailable for at least four of the six windows, more future talent and some overlooked veterans will get the chance to represent their country in meaningful fixtures.

But that doesn't mean stars of the FIBA game won't be involved, so from an Australian perspective here's a look at what the future might hold for the 12 Boomers who formed the best team in our history in Rio.

Chris Goulding
Before Rio, I wrote that Goulding, a volume shooter, wasn't well suited to a pinch-hitting role off the bench. His 30 per cent conversion suggests that was probably correct, but he proved his worth with great energy and discipline off the bench, even while playing through injury.

With Patty Mills unavailable for most World Cup qualifying windows there could be opportunities for Goulding to play his more natural role, and after learning the ropes at two major tournaments don’t be surprised if he becomes a key player over the next two years.

Patty Mills
Patty keeps getting better, be that at club or national team level. Rio was easily his best all-around tournament, his trademark inefficient performances against quality European and South American teams a thing of the past, as he averaged 22.8 points per game on 47 percent shooting against such opponents.

At 28, he still has at least one World Cup and Olympics in him, and given his passion for the green and gold - he has only missed two international seasons since his 2007 debut - don't be surprised to see him make some appearances in the off-season qualifying windows.

Andrew Bogut
Conventional wisdom says the soon-to-be 32-year-old Bogut is done on the international stage, with his body seemingly many years older than that, but I suspect that comes entirely down to his mindset.

He is such an imposing leader of this team with his selflessness, direction and no-nonsense attitude. Add to that his defensive anticipation and deft passing skills and his presence simply changes the game for teammates. While we won't see him on Asian courts during the qualifiers, don't rule out a reduced but important role in 2019 and 2020 to conduct some unfinished business.

Joe Ingles
Ingles didn't have the Rio tournament many were expecting, but like Bogut his intelligent play was a vital part of arguably the highest IQ team at the Olympics, and that is an aspect of basketball that age shall not weary.

His NBA contract will limit his availability during qualifying and with his 32^nd birthday nearing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, he may not have a major playmaking role like he did at the 2014 World Cup, but his leadership and knowledge lends itself to at least a heady bench role.

Matthew Dellavedova
By 2019 Delly could be the best point guard at the tournament. He wasn't that far off this year in Rio with a 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio and 52 per cent shooting from the field and 47 percent from range. Ridiculous numbers.

His impressive growth as an NBA player reduces the likelihood of him featuring in many qualifiers. However, given he has represented Australia every year since 2011, don't write off appearances during the June/July and September windows to add to his impressive international career.

Ryan Broekhoff
It will be interesting to see how the Boomers coach - whoever that may be - utilises European-based Aussies, whose number has dwindled dramatically in recent years. Is it worth the long trip back and the battle against jet lag for a two-game qualifying window?

Broekhoff didn't have the same impact in Rio as Spain 2014, opponents well aware of his deadly perimeter game, but he was still a contributor, particularly with his intelligent and unselfish passing. Whether he ends up a key player for the Boomers or a handy piece in a team system remains to be seen.

Cam Bairstow
The "NBA player" tag puts huge expectations on Bairstow, where in reality he has proven little at the professional level, and injury limited his contribution in Rio. Expect that to change though, particularly if he stays in the NBL with Brisbane next year.

If he does, Bairstow shapes as the starting power forward for the Boomers when qualifiers begin next November, his ability to defend ball-screens, rebound, hit from mid-range and crash the o-boards an excellent fit for almost any system.

Kevin Lisch
After a promising start to his international career, Lisch got a serious case of the offensive yips in Rio, but coach Andrej Lemanis kept faith, and when on-court with Delly good things usually happened for the Boomers.

Lisch will be better for the run, and his ability to lock down quick guards will be very handy against some slippery floor generals in the Asian zone, while his composure in ball-screen situations should return as he gets more comfortable in the international game.

Aron Baynes
Growing into a significant role in the NBA, the 29-year-old Baynes is squarely in his prime and probably has one more World Cup and Olympic cycle left. With more talent around him, Baynes didn't have the same offensive impact in Rio as Spain 2014, but his 20 offensive rebounds and improved passing were important parts of the Boomers offence.

Obviously he will have NBA commitments during most of the qualifying windows, and given his age and the wear and tear his body is experiencing, it’s hard to imagine him making too many appearances until 2019.

David Andersen
Many wrote off Andersen's international career after his early struggles, but over time he has become a Mr Reliable for the Boomers, his 15 points, 5 boards and 3 assists in the 2016 bronze medal game testament to his big-game play.

Given his early-season NBL struggles it would be easy to write him off again, and maybe the 36-year-old won't grace international courts again, but his experience would certainly be handy in the qualifiers with so many leaders unavailable.

Brock Motum
Motum appeared to lose Lemanis' confidence in the lead-up to Rio, and his minutes reflected that. But in a great moment of need against Spain, Motum produced 12 points, 6 boards and the best basketball of his career to suggest he does have an international future.

His much-improved form for Zalgiris this season has reinforced that, but as with Broekhoff the tyranny of distance may restrict how many qualifying windows he plays in. Equally, the emergence of Ben Simmons may keep Motum as a sparkplug at major tournaments, something he can do well.

Damian Martin
For so long many questioned whether Martin’s defensive game would translate to FIBA play. Ask no more, Damo was a revelation in Rio, leading the tournament in steals per minute and making the Boomers a better team almost every time he was on the floor – plus-49 in 69 minutes.

However, at 32 and with injuries continuing to take their toll, Martin may well bow out after such an impressive Olympic tournament. With Mitch Norton almost 10 years his junior and producing such quality basketball in the NBL, he may be the man to take over Martin’s role.

Paulo Kennedy

FIBA

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