Proctor's Boomers plan to crack Cavs rotation

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Sydney-born NBA star Tyrese Proctor plans to use July’s World Cup qualifying window with the Boomers to prove he is ready to become a top 10 rotation player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, writes Matt Logue from CODE Sports.

Proctor is on a mission to evolve as a player after playing 49 of his 50 rookie NBA games off the bench for the Cavaliers.

He sees himself as a regular starter for Cleveland – and according to his father Rod – that quest will start when he represents Australia in two World Cup qualifying games in Perth on July 3 and 6. Proctor, on Monday, was named in a strong Boomers squad to take on Guam and the Philippines at RAC Arena.

“Tyrese has always said from day one that playing for Australia is always going to be his priority – even when he got drafted,” proud dad Rod Proctor told Code Sports.

“They (Cleveland) are really high on him. I didn’t realise but he played over 500 minutes in his rookie season.

“Next season is going to be a big stepping stone for him and this summer is going to be really important because he will be pushing to get into the Cavs’ top 10 rotation.

“That is where the club envisages him going.” Rod and his wife Melissa will be in Perth to watch Tyrese don the green and gold for Australia. He said his son always relishes the chance to represent the Boomers. “Tyrese really loves the culture and team atmosphere that they have over other countries,” he said.

“It’s awesome to watch him play on home soil – I like to watch Tyrese play no matter who he is representing.”

The Boomers have fittingly named a stack of players with Western Australian links in the 12-man squad.

These include Ben Henshall (Perth, NBL), Keanu Pinder (Cairns Taipans, NBL), Elijah Pepper (Perth, NBL) as well as Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Illawarra, NBL).

For the full story on CODE Sports Basketball, click here.