Basketball Australia has unveiled its 19-strong Seven Consulting Opals extended squad ahead of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, with an amazing eight Victorian players and two Victorians on the coaching staff.
We have two Opal debutants, Nyadiew Puoch and Chantel Horvat, plus Annaeli Maley who was part of the bronze medal winning team at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Fresh from European campaigns, Alice Kunek, who won a Championship with Sopron Basket in Hungary and Horvat (Poland), who played alongside Alanna Smith, have been included in the squad, along with Lauren Scherf who had a strong season with Perth Lynx.
The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup will be hosted in Australia for the first time between 26 June - 2 July, with the best teams across the Asia region converging in Sydney to compete at the Quaycentre.
Seven Consulting Opals 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Extended Squad:
Amy Atwell
Chloe Bibby (Victoria)
Isobel Borlase
Alex Bunton
Keely Froling
Darcee Garbin
Shyla Heal
Chantel Horvat (Victoria)
Alice Kunek (Victoria)
Tess Madgen
Anneli Maley (Victoria)
Tiana Mangakahia
Lauren Nicholson
Nyadiew Puoch (Victoria)
Stephanie Reid (Victoria)
Maddison Rocci (Victoria)
Lauren Scherf (Victoria)
Shaneice Swain
Marianna Tolo
Coaching Panel:
Shannon Seebohm, Head Coach
Cheryl Chambers, Assistant Coach (Victoria)
Renae Garlepp, Assistant Coach
Kristi Harrower, Assistant Coach (Victoria)
The unfortunate clash of timings with the WNBA calendar means a number of experienced Victorians were unavailable for selection in the extended squad, including, Jade Melbourne (Seattle Storm) and Basketball Victoria's female athlete of the year, Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm) and Alanna Smith (Chicago Sky).
The conflict with the WNBA season also means Opals’ Head Coach, Sandy Brondello – who coaches the New York Liberty – has passed Head Coaching duties for the Asia Cup to Shannon Seebohm. Amongst the coaching staff will see Victoria's Cheryl Chambers who was part of the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, bronze medal team and Victorian legend Kristi Harrower.
Brondello congratulated the athletes who made the team and welcomed Seebohm into the head coach role.
“I’d like to congratulate all the players who have made the Asia Cup squad, it’s an important event on our calendar as we work towards qualifying for the Olympics,” Brondello said.
“There is some great young talent coming through who will debut in Sydney and I’m excited to see how they will perform on the international stage.
“I also welcome Shannon into the Head Coach position for this event, he’s had an incredible season with Townsville Fire winning the WNBL Championship and I know he is really motivated to put us on the podium.
“I wish the players and coaches all the very best and encourage all the fans to get down to the Quaycentre to watch international basketball at its best.”
Seebohm said he was looking forward to the opportunity to take the reins of the Seven Consulting Opals.
“I’m extremely honoured to be given the chance to coach the Opals, they are one of Australia’s most loved and decorated sporting teams with such a rich history so it’s an amazing opportunity,” Seebohm said.
“It’s also a privilege to host the Asia Cup in Australia for the first time and while it’s going to be a wonderful event, it will also provide plenty of challenges for our group, with some really strong teams set to compete.”
Sitting in Group B, the Opals will battle it out in the group phase against the Philippines on Monday’s opening night, followed by Chinese Taipei on Tuesday evening and third-ranked Japan on Wednesday, before the final phase gets underway on Friday 30 June.
The decision to name a squad of 19 was made due to a number of players coming back from injury, ensuring all athletes have the best possible chance to recover and prove their fitness. The final team of 12 will be named closer to the event.
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