David Patrick will serve as an assistant coach for Australia during the FIBA World Cup in China in August.

Patrick, who left Bermuda for Australia aged 10, will also be part of the coaching staff for the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020, with Australia aiming to medal in both competitions.

The 43-year-old’s addition to the Australian backroom team will likely boost their chances of luring Ben Simmons to represent his country at the World Cup.

The Philadelphia 76ers star is the godson of Patrick and recruited the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year to Louisiana State when he was an assistant coach there from 2012 to 2016.

“I am honoured to be joining the Boomers coaching staff for the 2019 FIBA World Cup and Tokyo Olympic campaign,” Patrick told Fox Sports.

“Coach [Andrej] Lemanis and his staff have done a magnificent job in their preparation and I am hopeful I can help them achieve continued success.

“Australian basketball is at an all-time high and has made its imprint globally.”

Patrick, a former Saltus Grammar School pupil, has helped turn Saint Mary’s College into a haven for talented players from Down Under. He even recruited a pair of future NBA champions in Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova to the California school when he was an assistant there from 2006 to 2010. He has also brought Dragon Elkaz and Daniel Mading into his UC Riverside programme.

Lemanis will remain as Australia’s head coach for the tournament, which starts on August 31, and says he is excited about bringing Patrick into the fold.

“I’m really pleased that we have been able to add David to our coaching staff,” Lemanis said.

“He is a very experienced coach who will bring his own unique talents to the group. David has certainly done the hard yards of coaching and has worked his way to be the head coach of his own college programme, which reflects the wonderful skills he has as a person and coach.

“He is also extremely passionate about the success of Australian basketball and is committed to helping the team be the best it can be. His experience, values and skill set are a significant addition to the team.”

Patrick started coaching in 2005 after four years of playing professionally overseas including spells at the Camberra Cannons in Australia between 1999-2001.

In his debut season for the Cannons, he was named the National Basketball League Rookie of the Year.