Twelve NBL1 guns named in Opals final training camp squad

Twelve NBL1 guns will he beading to Sydney from 31 January-4 February in preparation for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.

The squad includes Maddison Rocci (Southern Districts Spartans), Rebecca Cole (Dandenong Rangers), Lauren Nicholson (Kilsyth Cobras), Tess Madgen (Bendigo Braves), Jade Melbourne (Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence), Sara Blicavs (Geelong Supercats), Anneli Maley (Eltham Wildcats), Ezi Magbegor (Geelong Supercats), Darcee Garbin (Frankston Blues), Abby Bishop (Ipswich Force), Cayla George (Cairns Dolphins) and Zitina Aokuso (Melbourne Tigers). 

Eltham star Anneli Maley will make her Opals debut following a stellar NBL1 campaign and start to the WNBL season with the Bendigo Spirit.

On hearing of her selection for the camp, Maley was absolutely delighted and excited to be part of the squad.

"I really love the Opals culture and what they stand for, my idol growing up was Penny Taylor I really loved the way that she played and went about it," Maley told Basketball Australia.

"For now, I’m focused on each week playing with Bendigo Spirit, getting a spot at the camp is fantastic.

"Anyone who knows me will tell you I will put in 100%, probably more actually.

"There are some exceptional players in this squad I’m really happy to be here and thank my coach Tracy York at Bendigo Spirit who has been a big part in improving my game."

Following the camp the final 12 athletes will be chosen for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Serbia from 10-13 February where Australia have drawn Korea, Serbia and Brazil in their group.

FIBA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WORLD CUP SQUAD 2022

• Sami Whitcomb (Perth Lynx) 
• Shyla Heal (Sydney Uni Flames) 
• Maddison Rocci (Southern Districts Spartans) 
• Rebecca Cole (Dandenong Rangers) 
• Lauren Nicholson (Kilsyth Cobras) 
• Tess Madgen (Melbourne Boomers) 
• Jade Melbourne (Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence) 
• Sara Blicavs (Geelong Supercats) 
• Anneli Maley (Eltham Wildcats) 
• Alanna Smith (Adelaide Lightning) 
• Ezi Magbegor (Geelong Supercats) 
• Darcee Garbin (Perth Lynx) 
• Abby Bishop (Southside Flyers)
• Cayla George (Cairns Dolphins) 
• Zitina Aokuso (Melbourne Tigers)