The Australian Opals team that’ll hit the court for this week’s friendlies against Japan will be made up entirely of NBL1 players.
Sara Blicavs (Geelong), Bec Cole (Waverley), Keely Froling (Launceston), Darcee Garbin (Frankston), Cayla George (Cairns), Shyla Heal (Northside), Jade Melbourne (Ballarat), Tess Madgen (Bendigo), Lauren Nicholson (Sutherland), Steph Reid (Townsville), Maddi Rocci (USC) and Lauren Scherf (Kilsyth) will represent the Opals in the matches.
Australia will face Japan in three games as they continue preparations for this year’s Women’s World Cup in Sydney.
Two games will be played at the Quaycentre on May 27 and May 29, before they battle at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on May 31.
Australian Opals team vs Japan
Sara Blicavs (Geelong)
Bec Cole (Waverley)
Keely Froling (Launceston)
Darcee Garbin (Frankston)
Cayla George (Cairns)
Shyla Heal (Northside)
Jade Melbourne (Ballarat)
Tess Madgen (Bendigo)
Lauren Nicholson (Sutherland)
Steph Reid (Townsville)
Maddi Rocci (USC)
Lauren Scherf (Kilsyth)
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 will be held at Sydney Olympic Park from Thursday, 22 September to Saturday, 1 October.
Returning to local shores for the first time since Australia hosted in 1994, FIBA’s flagship women’s event will see 12 powerhouse basketball nations compete in 38 games across 10 days of action, all vying for the coveted World title.
The Opals, who are automatic qualifiers alongside rivals Team USA, have medalled in five of the last six World Cups, including a gold medal in 2006.
