Boomers leave Jonah Bolden to explain shock withdrawal

Mystery continues to surround Jonah Bolden's withdrawal from the Boomers squad, with coach Andrej Lemanis saying it's up to the player to explain.

Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze has speculated that Bolden might be protecting his NBA brand.

After impressing in last week's two exhibition game against Canada, Bolden cited personal reasons for pulling out of the two matches against the United States this week and also the World Cup.

"When someone says personal reasons it's respectful to allow him to speak to that, that's not for me to speak to," Lemanis said on the eve of the first game against the US.

Gaze suspects that Bolden did not like where he fitted into the Boomers roster.

"Judging by body language and drawing on my own experience, I suspect Jonah's seen Jock Landale do what he's doing, seen how he might fit into the program," Gaze told Macquarie Sports Radio.

"These days it's a sad thing but players are so concerned about their brand.

"There might be a valid reason but this is the view of a lot of players who have these decisions to represent their country.

"If it is it's a terrible situation when you can't see the bigger picture when you're playing for your country."

Lemanis is also confident that Bolden's withdrawal will not hurt team chemistry, saying replacement David Barlow brings plenty of experience and enthusiasm.

"David has been around us and the core is so strong," Lemanis said.

"In terms of chemistry, (it) doesn't affect us.

"The thing it interrupted, I guess, or had some disruption was just in terms of rotations and how we're going to play together.

"We have a slightly different look.

"Jonah had a special skill set with his size and athleticism."