Boomers' Goulding firing on all cylinders

ZARAGOZA (FIBA Basketball World Cup/Eurocup) - Chris Goulding introduced himself to the crowds in Gran Canaria a couple of times this summer at the FIBA Basketball World Cup as a member of the Australia Boomers squad.

He took the court against Korea and Angola in Group D. 

However, that didn't give the fans in Spain much of an opportunity to get to know him.

Well, they sure know about him now.

Goulding is on the books of CAI Zaragoza and lighting up the Spanish Liga Endesa and the Eurocup.

On Tuesday night, he came up with one of his most important performances, a 19-point effort in an 87-75 triumph at Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia in Italy.

The victory punched CAI's ticket to the Last 32 of the competition.

Goulding, who has previously competed in Australia's NBL, is shooting 42.6 percent (23 of 54) from beyond the arc in Europe and averaging 15.4 points per game.

In all but two of his nine appearances, he has drilled multiple three-pointers. In five of his games, he has made three or more shots from long range.

Only against Strasbourg in Week 7 did he score under double figures. 

Goulding wasn't able to help Australia in their Round of 16 defeat to Turkey at Spain 2014, a game in which the Boomers were in the lead for most of the contest until the end when Emir Preldzic nailed a couple of three-pointers.

"We can't look back," Goulding said in an interview with the Spanish Liga Endesa website. "That experience will make us stronger."

Goulding is hoping to be with the team next year for the FIBA Oceania Championship when the Boomers attempt to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Who knows? He may not only make the squad but end up having a more important role.

"Now comes the Olympics, I hope to be part of the national team again and that we can do better (than Spain 2014," he said.

FIBA