Featuring a cavalcade of Olympians and rising stars who represented Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup, 12 Victorians have been selected in the Opals squad for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney next year.
Australian Opals from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games team have been selected with Jenna O’Hea, Tessa Lavey, Rebecca Allen, Ezi Magbegor, Sara Blicavs and Alannah Smith picked for the World Cup alongside some very familiar faces including Bec Cole, Jade Melbourne, Maddy Rocci, Alex Sharp, Lauren Scherf and Abbey Wehrung.
The squad will suit up for international duties starting in Serbia on 10 February 2022 with the goal of a podium finish on home soil in September 2022.
The Basketball Australia Board ratified the squad late last week following an extensive assessment process.
“Basketball in Australia continues to grow at a rapid pace, with more girls playing at the elite level than ever before,” Chairman John Carey said. “The future is exciting for women’s basketball, we wish Sandy and the squad all the best for their preparations.”
Following a strong performance at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup, Victorian rising star Jade Melbourne is the youngest to be named on the squad and she is excited by the prospect of playing a World Cup at home.
“I’m excited to be named in a squad with such exceptional talented players,” Melbourne said. “I have no expectations other than to give it everything and hopefully gain a spot in Sydney.”
Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello is ready to get the squad together for the short run into September 2022.
“I am really excited about the talent we have in Australian Basketball and the squad that we as coaches have put together for 2022 is a great mix of experience and youth,” Brondello said. “I was particularly excited by some of the performances from the younger players in the Asia Cup post the Olympics who were given a taste of international basketball and there will be opportunities for those who work hard and make the most of their opportunities throughout the upcoming WNBL competition.
“I remember like yesterday how special it was to play in a World Cup on home soil; we look forward to having the same support as we had in 1994 to help us get back on the podium.
“Our goal over the next 300 days is to continue to grow, develop and be better as individuals and as group so we can achieve this goal.”
Players can be added to the coming months on the back of an athlete’s performances in various professional leagues across the world.
FIBA 2022 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WORLD CUP - AUSTRALIAN OPALS SQUAD
Rebecca Allen
Zitina Aokuso
Sara Blicavs
Rebecca Cole
Keely Froling
Darcee Garbin
Cayla George
Shyla Heal
Tessa Lavey
Eziyoda Magbegor
Tess Madgen
Jade Melbourne
Leilani Mitchell
Lauren Nicholson
Jenna O’Hea
Maddison Rocci
Lauren Scherf
Alex Sharp
Alanna Smith
Stephanie Talbot
Marianna Tolo
Kristy Wallace
Abbey Wehrung
Sami Whitcomb
