Boomers teammates have thrown their support behind Jonah Bolden, who has withdrawn from Australia’s Basketball World Cup squad for personal reasons. After impressing in the two-match series against Canada in Perth, Philadelphia 76ers player Bolden announced his intention to return to the United States.

“It’s unfortunate but everyone has got to look after themselves,” Phoenix Suns centre Aron Baynes told reporters on Monday. “You can’t really judge someone until you walk in their shoes; that’s one thing I try to live by. I just wish him all the best. We’re just going to keep moving forward and focus on us as a group.”

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Bolden, a 23-year-old power forward, was one the Boomers’ best players in the second game against Canada last Saturday with 12 points and five rebounds as the home team won 81-73 after a dominant second half.

“He really came along from day one of camp to that second half where he was understanding the system and where to find his spot and get his shots,” said Boomers guard Chris Goulding. “It’s a big loss for us but unfortunately these things happen. There’s nothing we can do now.”

Deng Adel, who made his NBA debut last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers before an off-season move to Brooklyn, and Brock Motum are among the potential replacements for Bolden in an Australian World Cup squad already missing NBA players Ben Simmons, Thon Maker, Dante Exum and Ryan Broekhoff.

Baynes warned against the danger of underestimating a US squad missing a host of top-line superstars, singling out his former Boston teammate Jayson Tatum as the type of player who would thrive at international level.

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“Even from the first day I played with him when he was a rookie coming in for pre-season you could tell how talented offensively he was,” Baynes said of the 21-year-old small forward. “He also wants to work on the defensive end which is not very common in the NBA. Some guys live off their offensive talent but he really wants to develop his all-round game.”

The games against the United States at Marvel Stadium are on Thursday and Saturday, with the World Cup beginning on 31 August.