ZARAGOZA (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - Quietly spoken off the court, Australian ace Ezi Magbegor makes some serious noise whenever she is wearing a Sapphires vest.

Within seven minutes of the Quarter-Final against Czech Republic, the highlights reel was already bulging from the weight of a sensational five blocked shots. She also fired more than 72 percent from the field on her way to 20 points as her team made history by coasting to a maiden Semi-Final spot.

The athleticism of Magbegor was previously showcased last year at the global level via the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship in Chekhov and Vidnoe, when she took it to strongly to players several years older than her.

It’s also true that last year at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship was really good for me, especially in terms of it being the perfect experience to prep me for this tournament in Zaragoza. - Magbegor

Now playing among her peers, the centre is revelling in being able to exert her influence with an array of spectacular plays - even if, outwardly at least, she might not always appear particularly animated.

"Oh, it's a good feeling inside when you get a big block, I just try not to show it," smiled Magbegor.

Magbegor revelled in playing in Russia last year at the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship

"It certainly feels great to be associated with such a historical moment for the team and we owed the Czechs after they beat us in one of our preparation games. 

It's also true that last year at the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship was really good for me, especially in terms of it being the perfect experience to prep me for this tournament in Zaragoza. It offered me the chance to play with older team-mates who I saw as role models, gave me a look at other styles of basketball from around the world and having to match the physicality of players who weren’t my age."

Magbegor is used to taking lessons from those older than her. She has been doing it all her life and right on her own doorstep via her sister.

"We played in the youth league in Melbourne and it was so good to be able to play together," she recalled. "She has taught me a lot and I look up to her as my big sister - both on and off the court. I also know that the family will all be watching and following every one of our games back home."

Magbegor is quick to stress how much of a team effort it has been for Australia to reach the Semi-Finals for the first time

Magbegor's performances have catapulted her towards the front of the MVP queue and she's there whether she likes it or not. That's because there is an admirable sense of reluctance from her in terms of taking the spotlight, with the player quick to turn it on her colleagues.

"Our team has come out focused on defense and everybody has been stepping up," she insisted on the eve of the team's Semi-Final with the USA. "When the bench comes out so pumped up to play, it makes the biggest difference to us and shows how much of a team we really are.

"Even if the USA are the favourites, we just need to show up and play like we did against the Czech Republic - as if it's any other game, and then I think we will be fine."

FIBA