SHENZHEN (China) - The Opals have long been a force on the global stage, boasting Olympic medals, Women's Basketball World Cup success, and a deep basketball tradition. However, since joining the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2017, that same dominance has proven elusive. With one runner-up finish and three third-place results, Australia remain contenders still searching for Women's Asia Cup gold.
Now, with Paul Goriss stepping in as Associate Head Coach while Sandy Brondello fulfills her WNBA duties, Australia are once again eyeing the top of the podium. Goriss, who was a WNBL Coach of the Year and is a two-time WNBL champion, brings valuable experience to the sideline. That said, the journey won’t be easy. With a new-look roster and rising regional powers, here are three key challenges facing the Opals in 2025.
1. Building chemistry with a new core
Only one player — Chloe Bibby — returns from Australia’s 2023 Women's Asia Cup roster. Maddison Rocci was originally supposed to see action as well, but unfortunately, she recently sustained an injury. That level of roster turnover presents a challenge, especially in a tournament as compact and intense as the Women's Asia Cup. The Opals will need to establish roles, leadership, and on-court chemistry in a hurry.
Rocci’s speed and Bibby’s toughness provide a strong foundation, but coach Goriss will have to fast-track cohesion among the new faces. With relatovely limited prep time and high-stakes games from the jump, Australia must find their rhythm early if they hope to go all the way.
2. Elevating Chloe Bibby into a starring role
Bibby is returning not just as a veteran, but as a player in career-best form. Since the 2023 Women’s Asia Cup, she’s emerged as one of the top Australian talents abroad, capturing consecutive MVP awards in two of Europe’s top leagues.
In Poland’s Basket Liga Kobiet, Bibby powered AZS AJP Gorzów Wielkopolski to the No. 2 seed with averages of 20.9 points and 5.9 rebounds. She followed that with an MVP season in Spain’s Liga Femenina de Baloncesto, helping lead Spar Girona to the semifinals.
Her offensive versatility, rebounding grit, and international experience will be crucial in this campaign. For an Australia side looking to fill scoring and leadership gaps, Bibby is poised to become a focal point on both ends of the floor.
3. Breaking through the Asia Cup ceiling
Despite their pedigree, Australia have yet to win the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup since joining the competition. In fact, the Opals have fallen to Japan in three straight tournaments (2017, 2019, 2021), and to China in 2023. Whether it’s been injuries, timing, or simply meeting red-hot opponents, Australia haven't been able to seal the deal.
Playing catch-up against programs with more continuity in the region has been part of the challenge. But 2025 offers a fresh start. With Goriss back on the sidelines and a hungry squad eager to make history, this could be the Opals’ best chance to finally finish on top of the Women's Asia Cup podium.
Australia’s past in the Asia Cup has been promising but incomplete. With a seasoned coach, rising stars, and a clean slate, the Opals are poised to make their biggest statement yet. The gold is there for the taking. Now it’s time to get the job done.
FIBA