According to the SeattlePI Sports Blog, former Washington State Cougar Hoops standout Aaron Baynes will play with Australia's national team in the upcoming London Olympics. According to the PI, via his facebook page, Baynes announced the news on Thursday night. "Super excited to be headed to London! Still a bit of work to get ready though, should be good once we get there. Thank you for all the support. Cheers."
Baynes, 25, will join NBA point guard Patty Mills and NBL players Mark Worthington, Adam Gibson and Peter Crawford as the top representatives for the Australian team. The NBL is Australia's professional basketball league.
Per Cairns.com, Baynes was born in New Zealand but grew up in Mareeba and Cairns, before accepting an Australian Institute of Sport before attending Washington State University. While at WSU, the 6'10, 260 pound played four seasons, including WSU's run to the Sweet 16 in 2008. According to his WSU bio, Baynes ranks on WSU's all-time list in field goal percentage (eighth - .546), blocks (T-seventh - 93), rebounds (11th - 653), blocks average (14th - 0.76), free throws made (17th - 122) and scoring (23rd - 1064). He averaged 12.7 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game his senior season, in 2009. He now plays professionally for Greek team Ikaros Kallitheas B.C..