Australians on a High after beating the Big-Dogs of Basketball World

KAZAN – Australian basketballer Cameron Bairstrow is looking forward to bragging rights when he goes back to his college team in the USA.

In a massive upset at the Universiade competition last night, the Australian men’s basketball team defeated the major gold-medal contender, Team USA in a nail-bitingly close finish 93 – 84. 

22-year-old forward Bairstrow from Brisbane, Australia was recruited on a scholarship for the basketball team at University of New Mexico in the USA three years ago.

Coincidentally, Bairstrow last night was lined up against New Mexico teammate Alex Kirk, who was playing for Team USA.

“He actually didn’t get a lot of court time, so I didn’t get a lot of match time against him, but it’s bragging rights regardless,” laughed a euphoric Bairstrow.

Bairstrow said that the win was not a surprise for him and his confident Australian teammates, who expected the victory.

“I know a lot of other people probably didn’t think so, but with our mindset we knew we could and we showed them that in the end,” said Bairstrow, who was the second-highest overall points-scorer in the game.

The Australians have defeated the potential best of the best in American college basketball, as Team USA is a breeding ground for NBA players.

Four NBA players were drafted from the 2011 Universiade, and seven players from the 2009 games.

Coach Andrej Lemanis, who has attended an Olympic games and played basketball professionally himself, said the team now has to focus for their upcoming matches. “Every win’s a good win, as a basketball notion we haven’t beaten the US much in world events, so to be a part of a team that has been able to achieve that is a pretty special thing for Australian basketball. We’ve got to get over the bit of euphoria that goes with this win, and now we’ve got to get ready and focus.”

With graduation in a year’s time, Bairstrow hopes to continue his professional basketball career. “I want to play in Australia, overseas, anywhere really. I just do it for the love of the game.”

Leigh Ferguson/FISU Young Reporter (AUS)