Basketball Australia (BA) announced the extended Seven Consulting Opals squad stacked with Victorian athletes in preparation for the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2024 Olympics. Coming off a successful podium finish at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in September, Australia has retained their #3 global ranking, and sentiment amongst players and fans is high.
The Victorians named:
- Rebecca Allen
- Chloe Bibby
- Sara Blicavs
- Ezi Magbegor
- Anneli Maley
- Jade Melbourne
- Nyadiaw Puoch
- Stephanie Reid
- Maddy Rocci
-
Lauren Scherf
- Alanna Smith
- Sarah Portlock
Included in the squad is the talented young Victorian Nyadiaw Puoch (18) who will be playing for Victoria in the Under 20 National Championships next month. In addition, Sarah Portlock (16) who is an exciting 6ft 7in Centre of Excellence athlete, has been given a development opportunity to join the camp to gain valuable experience and an understanding of the unique Opals culture.
Head Coach Sandy Brondello will return to Australia for the camp and is impressed by the depth of talent available for selection.
“There is no doubt the World Cup was fantastic, but all our attention is now firmly on the future, and we have some really exciting talent that I look forward to working with. The camp will give us the opportunity to bring back our seasoned athletes and mix them with emerging talent in what will be a very competitive environment. We have to keep investing in the future and immersing them in the Opals culture so they know physically and mentally what it takes to play at the highest level."
"I’ve been watching a lot of WNBL games and I am really impressed with the talent, I look forward to working with these athletes at the camp. I will head to Europe prior to the camp as it’s important to touch base with all the Australians playing there and assess where everyone is at."
"I’m excited to go back to the Centre of Excellence, it’s been a while I have to say, I’m sure it will bring back a lot of memories and I feel really honoured to be coming back here as a former graduate and now having the privilege to be coaching the national team,” said Brondello.
The camp will be held at the AIS National Training Centre from March 31-April 5.
