Liz Cambage shines as centrepiece of 16-player roster for Opals at Women's Asia Cup
CANBERRA (Australia) – Australian’s Liz Cambage is considered one of the best women's basketball players in the world. She’s starred wherever she went, whether it is playing for her professional club or the national team. Can Cambage help the Opals get their revenge and win the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2019, Division A?
The Opals certainly hope that she can, as they have listed the 27-year-old center to their 16-player roster for the upcoming competition in Bengaluru, India from September 24-29.
“Asia Cup is an important tournament and with our limited time together moving forward into the November and February Qualification, we would like to have our best team together as much as we can. While injuries have prevented some player’s availability, our depth continues to shine through,” said Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello, as per Basketball Australia.
“We feel this squad has the right balance of players in every position in order for us to perform well.”
| Australia's 16-player roster for FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2019 | |||
| Rebecca Allen | Abby Bishop | Sara Blicavs | Liz Cambage |
| Katie Ebzery | Darcee Garbin | Cayla George | Ezi Magbegor |
| Lauren Mansfield | Leilani Mitchell | Lauren Nicholson | Jenna O'Hea |
| Nicole Seekamp | Stephanie Talbot | Marianna Tolo | Sami Whitcomb |
The centerpiece of the announced roster is Liz Cambage, but is also joined by Rebecca Allen, Leilani Mitchell, and Sami Whitcomb, all of who play in the WNBA.
Sami Whitcomb at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018
Leilani Mitchell during Rio Olympics 2016
Cambage was one of the biggest prospects ever to come from the land down under. At the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Championship back in 2009, Cambage led the all players in scoring with 20.4 points per game in just 22.9 minutes of action per contest. Since then, she moved on to star in the senior level, already in possession of a silver medal from the 2018 Women’s World Cup and a Bronze from the 2012 Olympics in London. Cambage was also named as a member of the All-Star Five at the World Cup 2018 for her stellar play, as well.
After a heartbreaking 73-74 loss to Japan in the Asia Cup 2017 title game, it seems like Australia are not holding back for their shot at payback this year. They have been placed in Group B along with China, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The Division A teams of the Women's Asia Cup following the results of this year's competition will secure a spot to play in the Pre-Qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics.
Australia’s opening match will be against the Philippines on September 24.
FIBA
