FIBA Women’s World Cup Opals Squad

Basketball Australia has today announced a 24-woman strong Opals squad in preparation for the FIBA Women’s Basketball Work Cup in Sydney next year. As has become standard, the Opals squad is laden with talent that developed their craft on the hardwood of Nunawading Basketball Centre.

Opals captain Jenna O’Hea headlines the squad and will be joined by Tokyo Olympians Rebecca Allen and Alanna Smith, whilst Rebecca Cole rejoins the squad on the back of an impressive FIBA 3×3 campaign for the green & gold.

The Spectres connection continues with a number of former Nunawading representatives offspring featuring in the squad; Sara Blicavs the daughter of Karen Ogden, Keely Froling the daughter of Shane & Jenny Froling and Shyla Heal the daughter of Shane Heal also named in the Opals lineup.

Coach Sandy Brondello is looking forward to getting the squad together for the short runway into September 2022.

Brondello said, “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.”

“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.”

The Opals squad can be extended pending performance through the WBL and international seasons.

FIBA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WORLD CUP SQUAD 2022

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