Despite a second straight group-phase loss, Australia (1-2) is advancing to the eight-team, single elimination quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. That means that for two members of the 2024-25 Houston Rockets — big man Jock Landale and forward Jack McVeigh — their time in the Olympic spotlight will continue into next week.
Friday’s 77-71 loss (box score) to Greece, led by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, briefly put Australia in danger of being eliminated. However, Canada’s subsequent win over Spain (with Houston teammate Dillon Brooks playing a key role) allowed the Boomers to finish second in Group A competition.
To this point, both Landale and McVeigh have showed why the Rockets have high hopes in them for next year and perhaps beyond.
In three games, here are the average statistical lines for both:
- Jock Landale: 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists; 67.6% FG
- Jack McVeigh: 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds; 47.1% FG, 50.0% on 3-pointers
Thus far, both have also remained injury free, which is a better outcome than when Landale severely sprained his ankle during an August 2023 international contest while playing for Australia.
Australia’s game time and opponent for its quarterfinal match, which will take place Tuesday, is still to be determined.
Shortly after their Olympic run ends, both Landale and McVeigh will report to training camp with the Rockets, which opens in late September for the 2024-25 season. Landale will be a backup option at center behind incumbent starter Alperen Sengun, while McVeigh offers a reserve 3-point shooting threat at either forward position.
Final Group A standings for men's basketball at Paris Olympics
1. Canada (3-0): advances to quarterfinals
2. Australia (1-2): advances to quarterfinals
3. Greece (1-2): still alive pending Serbia-South Sudan
4. Spain (1-2): eliminated— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) August 2, 2024
Jock Landale through 3 Olympics games:
17.7 PTS 9.3 REB 3.3 AST 67.6 FG%
🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/5lS9jHo4j5
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) August 2, 2024
