Go time for Opals after revealing their final roster
SYDNEY (Australia) - FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 hosts Australia have unveiled the 12-players who will be tasked with trying to take a podium step on home soil in Sydney.
Now less than a week away from tip-off, the Opals have had to go with youth due to some key absences although they will still have three bronze medalists from the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in their ranks.
Australia roster for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023
| Amy Atwell | Chloe Bibby | Keely Froling | Darcee Garbin |
| Shyla Heal | Chantel Horvat | Alice Kunek | Tess Madgen |
| Anneli Maley | Lauren Nicholson | Maddy Rocci | Lauren Scherf |
Tess Madgen, Darcee Garbin and Anneli Maley headline the 12-player team which also features players who have reached the podium in the competition previously, including Alice Kunek (silver, 2017) and 2021 bronze medallists Keely Froling, Lauren Nicholson and Lauren Scherf.
Debutantes include Chloe Bibby, Chantel Horvat and Amy Atwell, while Shyla Heal and Maddy Rocci get their opportunity on the back of strong WNBL campaigns.
With experience and success leading junior sides at FIBA competition, Shannon Seebohm takes the reigns as head coach for the first time while Sandy Brondello leads New York Liberty in the WNBA.
“It’s always a big moment in basketball when an Opals team comes together and I’m excited to see what this group can achieve on the court," said Seebohm.
Anneli Maley and Darcee Garbin both played last year in Sydney at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup
"We’ve got a good mix of players with the experience of Tess, Darcee and Anneli, while it’s very exciting for Chloe, Chantel and Amy who make their Opals debut. Between both international and domestic basketball calendars, schedules do become very busy, so we did face challenges with player availability as well as those trying to recover from injuries.
“The positive is that this gives opportunities to other players, like our debutantes, who have the chance to gain valuable experience against international players and represent Australia, which is a special moment for any professional athlete.
“We hope sports fans and the basketball community will get behind the team and come to the Quaycentre and cheer us on," added the playcaller.
FIBA
