CANBERRA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - There could be some exciting new faces in the Australian team which takes to the court at the FIBA World Championship for Women after a new generation staked their claim on the recent tour of the USA.

Playing a host of WNBA teams, but without his WNBA rights-held stars on board, head coach Brendan Joyce used the friendly match-ups to hold the door open for several young WNBL players to push their case for inclusion in Turkey.

And, one of the players who impressed most was 21-year-old rising star Rebecca Allen.

"For me, Rebecca has really stepped up to take her opportunities and has been able to thrive against some of the best athletes in the world," said Joyce.

"She was very good in the two games against Seattle and was brilliant against Minnesota - accounting herself very well against arguably the best player in the world in Maya Moore.

"Rebecca has such amazing physical tools and we felt she was capable of these types of performances and now we know she can impact the game at this level."

The reigning WNBL Defensive Player of the Year certainly saved her best performance of the tour for the clash with the defending WNBA champions.

The Melbourne Boomers player posted a memorable game-high contribution of 17 points, five rebounds and five steals, then subsequently signed off with another score of 17 points against the Silver Stars.

Allen will no doubt be hoping she has done enough to secure a place at her first major tournament at the senior level, having pulled on her nation's colours at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women in 2011.

Joyce also commended the likes of Tess Madgen, Alice Kunek and Natalie Burton for their performances.

"The whole tour has been a great experience and learning curve for these young players," said Joyce.

"They've witnessed first-hand the athleticism and skill of the WNBA players and have quickly realised what is expected of them when playing against some of the best players in the world.

"This is just priceless experience for these players and we believe this opportunity, particularly for the young players, will help expedite their development."

He added, "The most important part of the tour was to ensure all players were getting exposure and had the opportunity to develop against this level of talent."

The Opals finished their tour on a winning note by defeating San Antonio in a stirring 73-71 victory, which was a great way to wrap things up according to Joyce.

"I'm really proud of how the players fought out it out to the very end and were able to get that reward of a win for all the effort they have put in on this tour," he claimed.

"We've pushed them right to the limit on this tour, trying to simulate what is expected when we are at the World Championships - and the players came through with flying colours.

"To get the win was a great way to end the tour, but I was more impressed by the way we played against really high quality opposition."

The Opals' players now have a six week sabbatical prior to their next camp during early July, which will take place at the Basketball Australia National Centre of Excellence.

FIBA