The Seven Consulting Opals will need to negotiate Brazil, Germany and Serbia at next month’s FIBA qualifying tournament in order to compete at this year’s Paris Olympic Games.
The 12-player team, including six Victorians are tasked with qualifiying and will include eight members of the 2022 World Cup bronze medal campaign including Tess Madgen, Cayla George, Marianna Tolo, Lauren Jackson, Ezi Magbegor, Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs and Sami Whitcomb.
Victorians, Alanna Smith from the Tokyo Olympics and Jade Melbourne (for the first time since the 2021 Asia Cup) and point guard Steph Reid have all been selected.
The qualifying tournament runs from February 8 to 11 in Belem, Brazil with world No.3 Australia needing to finish top three in its pool to book an Olympic ticket.
Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello said while injuries to key players named in the squad had impacted selection the team was focused and ready to hit the ground running.
Steph Talbot, Kristy Wallace, Darcee Garbin and Alice Kunek were unavailable for selection.
“I’m really happy to finally announce the team, we have been hit with some injuries for sure but that’s the nature of what we do so we prepare for that,” Brondello said.
“Brazil is first up and with the home crowd they will be tough, Germany is a team on the rise and we have a really competitive history against Serbia, so there are no easy games.
“We have limited preparation time for this window but we will take that as a motivator, this is where our experienced players will really make a difference. We are completely locked in now on the three games and securing our Olympic spot.”
Melbourne said she was thrilled to be selected.
“Playing for the Opals is the pinnacle for me. I can’t wait to get on the plane, get to Brazil and do whatever I can to help the team qualify for Paris.
“I’m super excited to embark on this journey with Izzy Borlase, we were room mates at the Under-19 World Cup and are so happy for each other.”
The Australian-based Opals will fly to Brazil on January 30 where they will link up with Brondello and Europe-based players Tolo, Magbegor and Smith.
Seven Consulting Opals Team
Rebecca Allen - VIC
Sara Blicavs - VIC
Isobel Borlase
Cayla George
Lauren Jackson
Tess Madgen
Ezi Magbegor - VIC
Jade Melbourne - VIC
Stephanie Reid - VIC
Alanna Smith - VIC
Marianna Tolo
Samantha Whitcomb
Assistant Coaches: Cheryl Chambers, Paul Goriss, Shannon Seebohm
Game Schedule
Brazil v Australia Thursday 8 February
Australia v Germany Saturday 10 February
Serbia v Australia Sunday 11 February
All games will be broadcast on ESPN.
