MELBOURNE (Australia) - The Opals have shown why they are being predicted to be one of the main contenders at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 after naming a strong lineup which could extend their rich tradition in the competition.
Having hosted the showpiece four years ago on home soil in Sydney where they took bronze, it was an incredible sixth medal in seven editions - their greatest moment coming exactly two decades ago when they were crowned champions.
There are six returnees from the team that landed bronze at the Paris Olympics and the lineup is headlined by veteran guard Sami Whitcomb. She took All-Star Five honors at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul earlier this year.
She will play alongside the similarly impactful and vastly experienced Steph Talbot, as well as Jade Melbourne who won the Rising Star award at Paris 2024.
If we play to our identity, we know we can compete with anyone
The frontcourt looks stacked too, with the ever-impressive Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor both capable of carrying Australia to another podium finish with their combination of skill, size and strength.
The other returner from Paris is young gun Isobel Borlase who has turned heads with her performances, having previously lit it up at FIBA youth events.
Meanwhile Alex Fowler has been rewarded for her outstanding form - including being crowned FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 TISSOT MVP. Alex Wilson has also been selected, having been a central piece in the run of the 3x3 Gangurrus at Paris 2024. "I'm very confident in this group. We have a great mix of experience, talent and chemistry," said head coach, Sandy Brondello. "Sami is the Opals captain and is an amazing leader. She will well supported by Ezi, Alanna, Steph and Jade. While our preparation is short with this full group, we trust the work we've done over the past few years."
"We believe in each other, and now it's about being at our best when it matters most. If we play to our identity, we know we can compete with anyone."
Brondello will be flanked by Associate Head Coach Paul Goriss and Assistant Coach duo, Renae Garlepp Kennedy Kereama.
The playcaller is preparing for her third FIBA World Cup campaign and stands as the longest serving Opals coach in the history of the program. Brondello praised her staff across the globe for their scouting and analysis to build a roster that will chase success in Berlin.
"Our staff have done an outstanding job tracking players around the world since Paris. Australia is fortunate to have incredible depth, so selecting the Final 12 is never easy," she stressed.
"We weren't just looking at talent-we were looking for players who fit our style of play, embrace what it means to represent Australia, and put the team first."
"With only three days together before the World Cup, continuity was an important factor. We felt that players who already understood our system, had built chemistry within the program, and could hit the ground running. We believe this group gives us the best opportunity to be successful in Berlin," concluded Brondello.
Australia will play against Puerto Rico, Belgium and Türkiye in Group C.
FIBA