'Grubs': Thieves target Boomers star during NBL clash
Australian Boomers guard Nathan Sobey has taken to Twitter to share the unfortunate news that his Olympic bronze medal from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics has been stolen.
Sobey, who is playing for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL, put the word out on Sunday morning that his prized medal from Australia's historic breakthrough had been taken.
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The 31-year-old has reported the theft to Queensland Police, believing it may have been a targeted theft since it took place during Brisbane's NBL clash against Tasmania on Saturday night.
“Unfortunately last night, our house was broken into and my bronze medal was stolen along with some other small things,” Sobey tweeted.
“If anyone out there has any information please let us know.”
Sobey's post prompted a wave of support from Australian basketball fans, with the Boomers' historic podium finish still fresh in the minds of many.
The Bullets released a statement on Sunday, confirming the robbery and calling for any information to be passed on to police.
“We’re devastated for Nathan,” the Bullets' statement read.
“We’re extremely grateful that he and his family are safe and as a club we’re here to support them through the process of working with QLD Police.”
Unfortunately last night, our house was broken into and my bronze medal was stolen along with some other small things. If anyone out there has any information please let us know!! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/J3DlWcODp1
— Nathan Sobey (@sobes2zero) February 27, 2022
Just sharing some news with the Australian basketball community: Nathan Sobey’s house was unfortunately broken into last night, and his Olympic bronze medal was among the things stolen. If anyone hears anything that may help, please get in touch with the Queensland Police.
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) February 26, 2022
Sobey has been working his way back to full fitness after suffering a knee injury, dropping 14 points in just 21 minutes against the Jack Jumpers.
His colleagues in Australian basketball were also quick to spread the word, with Melbourne United star Chris Goulding taking to Instagram to label the thieves 'grubs'.
“This ain’t cool. Please share and help get some info for Sobes,” Goulding added on his Instagram story.
Queensland Police are asking anybody with information about the burglary to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Sobey's Bullets too quick for Tassie Jack Jumpers
While a nasty surprise awaited Sobey after the game, the Bullets scored a much needed NBL victory thanks to his burst of scoring.
The JackJumpers entered Saturday's contest at Brisbane's Nissan Arena as one of the hottest teams in the league after their record-equalling three-point barrage against the Illawarra Hawks earned the first-year franchise their fifth victory in the last six games.
But the Bullets capitalised on the absence of Tasmania's defensive anchor Will Magnay to control the paint and snap a three-match losing streak as they claimed their sixth win of the season, 94-86.
The Bullets powered to a 53-44 halftime lead thanks to a whopping 28-10 advantage for points in the paint then finished the match with 24 free-throw makes compared to Tasmania's 10.
Brisbane coach James Duncan praised his players for their team-oriented approach after five Bullets finished with double-digit points.
"This is the message we have been talking about throughout the course of the season," Duncan said.
"The guys came in really focused on doing that and following the game plan, just credit to the boys for sticking with it and giving the right effort."
Import duo Robert Franks (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Lamar Patterson (16 points, 10 assists) each finished with a double-double while Nathan Sobey continued to ramp up his play since returning from a knee injury with 14 points in 21 minutes.
Brisbane withstood an early flurry of three-pointers from the JackJumpers to claim the opening quarter 24-22, Deng Deng making a major impact off the bench for the Bullets with a nine-point cameo.
With AAP
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