First-time Opals coach Shannon Seebohm has unveiled the FIBA Asia Cup crew that can take the ground for the primary time since final yr’s rose gold World Cup success.
With a bunch of stars unavailable because of WNBA commitments, Seebohm leant on Opals coach Sandy Brondello in deciding on a squad that mixes World Cup bronze medallists Tess Madgen, Darcee Garbin and Anneli Maley with inexperienced and gold debutantes Chloe Bibby, Chantel Horvat and Amy Atwell.
“It’s been a lengthy process and I’ve been working closely with Sandy and the other assistant coaches in picking the group and putting the right people in place,” Seebohm stated.
“We’ve had a few injuries in the lead up and several who were unavailable, so that’s thrown a spanner in the works but we’ve picked a squad that continues to represent the Opals culture, that’s going to play a really hard and tough brand of basketball and I’m excited by what I’ve seen so far.”
With the likes of WNBL MVP Cayla George, imposing tall Ezi Magbegor and scoring machines Sami Whitcomb amongst these on WNBA responsibility, Seebohm believes those that made the squad for Sydney will see an opportunity to plead their case for subsequent yr’s Paris Olympics.
“Whilst we don’t have some of the mainstays who have been in the program for a long time available, it’s a good opportunity for some of these girls who have been working their butt off to try to play for the Opals to cement themselves,” he stated.
“There’s a changing of the guard coming with some of the older players moving on, so this is the perfect time for our younger players and the players scratching to get in to prove why they should be there.”
Seebohm stated there was an added urgency to the Opals preparation and match within the wake of the heartbreaking news preliminary squad member Tiana Mangakahia was, this month, compelled to retire after she was recognized with stage 4 breast most cancers.
“It was a tough, bitter pill to swallow,” Seebohm stated of Mangakahia, who, 4 years in the past, was capable of struggle again from an preliminary most cancers prognosis to return to the courtroom.
“What she’s been through already and for her to get that tough news it’s rocked everyone and certainly put a lot of things in perspective for myself and the team.
“Everyone’s keen to do whatever we can to support Tiana and the girls will band together for this Asia Cup and be out playing as hard as they can, representing her.”
Seebohm stated the preliminary aim was to complete within the high 4 on the match, which might guarantee development in Olympic qualifying.
The Opals tip off their Asia Cup marketing campaign on the opening night time of the match, Monday, June 26, going through Philippines earlier than clashes with Chinese Taipei the following night time and third-ranked Japan on Wednesday, June 28.
Favourites on dwelling turf, an opportunity to avenge the World Cup loss to China looms, relying on pool outcomes.
OPALS 2023 ASIA CUP SQUAD
Amy Atwell
Chloe Bibby
Keely Froling
Darcee Garbin
Shyla Heal
Chantel Horvat
Alice Kunek
Tess Madgen
Anneli Maley
Lauren Nicholson
Maddy Rocci
Lauren Scherf
Originally revealed as FIBA Asia Cup 2023: Opals reveal 12-woman crew for Sydney match
Source: www.news.com.au
