15 NBL1 stars selected for Opals FIBA Asia Cup squad

Basketball Australia has released its 19-strong Opals extended squad ahead of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, with NBL1 talent littered across the squad. 

With 15 2023 NBL1 players in the squad, the team features the likes of NBL1 North Finals MVP Steph Reid, NBL1 East Defensive Player of the Year Lauren Nicholson, NBL1 South MVP contender Keely Froling and a whole host of stars on the rise like the Cairns Dolphins' Shaneice Swain and Forestville Eagles' Isobel Borlase. 

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.

The clash of timings with the WNBA calendar means a number of experienced Opals were unavailable for selection in the extended squad. 

As Opals coach Sandy Brondello heads the New York Liberty, the 2022 NBL1 North Coach of the Year Shannon Seebohm will take the reigns. 

“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 final team of 12 will be named closer to the event.

2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Extended Squad:
Amy Atwell (Bendigo Braves) 
Chloe Bibby (Frankston Blues) 
Isobel Borlase (Forestville Eagles) 
Alex Bunton
Keely Froling (Launceston Tornadoes) 
Darcee Garbin
Shyla Heal (Sydney Comets) 
Chantel Horvat (Geelong United Supercats) 
Alice Kunek (Nunawading Spectres)
Tess Madgen 
Anneli Maley (Eltham Wildcats)
Tiana Mangakahia (Northside Wizards)
Lauren Nicholson (Sutherland Sharks) 
Nyadiew Puoch (Dandenong Rangers) 
Stephanie Reid (Townsville Flames) 
Maddison Rocci (South West Metro Pirates) 
Lauren Scherf (Perth Redbacks) 
Shaneice Swain (Cairns Dolphins) 
Marianna Tolo