Nineteen NBL1 players selected in Opals World Cup squad

Nineteen talented NBL1 players, among a host of WNBA and international stars, have been selected for the Australian Opals World Cup squad. 

The squad will commence their international duties in Serbia on 10 February 2022 with the goal of a podium finish on home soil at the FIBA Women's World Cup 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, Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence 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 (Melbourne Tigers)
Sara Blicavs (Geelong Supercats)
Rebecca Cole
Keely Froling (Launceston Tornadoes)
Darcee Garbin (Frankston Blues)
Cayla George (Cairns Dolphins)
Shyla Heal (Hobart Chargers)
Tessa Lavey (Frankston Blues)
Eziyoda Magbegor (former Geelong Supercats)
Tess Madgen (Bendigo Braves)
Jade Melbourne (former Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence) 
Leilani Mitchell (Maitland Mustangs coach)
Lauren Nicholson (former Kilsyth Cobras)
Jenna O’Hea (Sandringham Sabres)
Maddison Rocci (Southern Districts Spartans)
Lauren Scherf (Kilsyth Cobras) 
Alex Sharp (Willetton Tigers)
Alanna Smith
Stephanie Talbot
Marianna Tolo (Knox Raiders)
Kristy Wallace (Melbourne Tigers)
Abbey Wehrung (Bendigo Braves) 
Sami Whitcomb