Why Dante Exum’s resilient return to the NBA doesn’t surprise Boomers coach Brian Goorjian

Exum’s two-year NBA exile is over after he agreed to a one-year guaranteed deal with the Dallas Mavericks alongside fellow Boomer, Josh Green.

The Melbourne-born guard’s rise to the world’s best league via a successful Serbian stint, shocked some hoops fans who didn’t expect to see the day again.

Not Goorjian.

The Australian mentor always had faith in Exum, especially after witnessing him dominate as a “game changer” on and off the court during the Boomers’ historic run to bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Goorjian’s initial fears that the guard may be a “protective” given he hadn’t played for the national team in six years were promptly buried as he proved himself to be the missing piece in Australia’s six-decade medal search.

“It was just Dante’s mindset during that Tokyo Olympic campaign – I thought he played fearless,” Goorjian said about Exum, who last appeared in the NBA during the 2020-21 NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“We had to talk to him about slowing down and finding a balance because his pursuit to the rim, pressure on the ball and his temp was incredible.

“I walked away from that tournament because I was around other NBA players, saying Dante is an NBA player.

“Now he is where he belongs again.”

Goorjian believes Exum’s hard road back to the NBA will help him handle the pressure to perform when he dons a Mavericks singlet next season.

The Boomers guard had his career disrupted by a series of injuries while spending five seasons in Utah and two with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 5.7 points and 2.1 assists per game in his NBA career.

Injury also prevented him from suiting up for Houston during his first season at the Rockets in 2021 before he was waived.

Exum is yet to fulfil his potential on the NBA stage, but Goorjian been impressed with the guard’s ability to mentally move on from his injury setbacks and perform so strongly for Serbian heavyweights Partizan Belgrade for the past two seasons.

“Dante has just concentrated on what he can do and not let anything affect him,” he said about Exum, who averaged 13.2 points in 23 minutes per game for Partizan Belgrade in 2022-23 and won the ABA League Championship trophy.

“With the Boomers he always took on any role and was always looking to learn and the rest would take care of itself.

“He then performed in Europe and that European market is tough. There have only been a handful of Aussies who have handled themselves in that league.”

Goorjian has high hopes for Exum heading into this year’s World Cup campaign, hailing the guard a “vital” piece with his length and ability to defend.

“Dante is the next guy at the guard position behind Josh Giddey,” he said.

“Leading into the World Cup we’ve been following him closely in Europe and he has been tremendous.

“He has very much run that team and the ball has been in his hands in a strong environment at both ends of the floor.”

Goorjian also took the time to pay tribute to Exum’s father Cecil, who recently passed away.

He was a member of the Tar Heels’ 1982 NCAA championship team as a sophomore with future Hall of Fame members Michael Jordan and James Worthy.

Exum senior was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the ninth round of the 1984 NBA Draft, securing the 194th overall pick.

He spent seven years in the NBL, appearing in stints for the North Melbourne Giants, Melbourne Tigers and Geelong Supercats.

Exum senior averaged 10.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Goorjian has fond memories of playing against Cecil when he moved to Australia in 1986 to play for the Bulleen Boomers in the SEABL league.

The Boomers coach described Exum senior as a respected pioneer who has contributed immensely to the Australian basketball scene.

“Cecil is an absolute treasure,” Goorjian said.

“He was famous for being Michael Jordan’s roommate when he was recruited here, and he was a very good player.

More Coverage

OKC Boomers: Mills tipped to join Aussie duo at new home

Matt Logue and Michael Randall

Asia Cup dream over as China hold Opals to historic low

Erin Smith

“I used to play Jungle Ball with Cecil.

“He came out and played for Bulleen under Billy Tomlinson. I remember the competition back then. He was a tremendous player, and he always had a smile, a warm heart with a big handshake.

“He is really well liked by everyone, so my heart goes out to Dante at this time.”