SHENZHEN (China) - For new Opal Miela Sowah, stepping onto the court for her first FIBA Women’s Asia Cup game was the realization of a lifelong dream. After previously playing for Australia's youth teams, she has now transitioned seamlessly to the senior level, making an immediate impact for Australia in the group phase of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025.
Over her first three games, Sowah has averaged 11.0 points, 1.7 three-pointers and 1.0 steal per contest, showcasing her sharpshooting and defensive intensity, lighting up the scoreboard and energizing the team.
She wasn’t alone in shining, too. Fellow new-generation Opals like Isobel Borlase, Alex Fowler, Isabelle Bourne and Abbey Ellis have all contributed to Australia’s rousing three-game win streak in the tournament.
Ellis and Bourne were instrumental in the Opals' Day 2 win over gritty Lebanon, with Ellis tallying 14 points and 3 steals. For her part, Bourne had her versatility on display with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 three-pointers.
The 182cm/6'0" Fowler, meanwhile, has impressed with her consistency, scoring 11 points in each of Australian's wins so far. As for Borlase, the 20-year-old has been a reliable contributor, putting up 8.3 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. She has also started in each of the Opals' games.
"This tournament has provided a great opportunity for this new generation," noted head coach Paul Goriss. "I think it shows the great depth we have in our country, and the chemistry they've built."
For Goriss, having his team fully imbibe the culture and identity of a true Opal is paramount.
"We want them to understand that the legacy of being part of the Opals is being relentless no matter if you're a newcomer or a veteran," he added. "The intensity is what sets us apart. Right now, this shows that we've got elite depth."
Chloe Bibby, who's the lone holdover from Australia's FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 squad, also praised the young team's preparation and chemistry.
"I am just really proud of the girls. They have done a great job," she said. "We did a lot of preparation, and they took the opportunity to get ready. They have played with a lot of confidence."
Bibby even singled out Ellis for her impact.
"Abbey has been sharing the ball really well, and her deflections have helped give us a great presence offensively and defensively as well," Bibby said.
The young Opals are embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and respect for the team’s legacy.
"This is an awesome opportunity for us to see what international basketball is like at the senior level" Sowah said. "We’ve watched it, we’ve dreamed about it, and now we get to live it out."
"Our leaders like Cayla and Sarah, they’re leading the way, teaching us what the style of the Opals is," she added. "It’s really awesome to be out there. Honestly, it’s like a ‘pinch me’ moment every time I'm out there wearing the Opals because I dreamt of it as a little kid. It’s so unreal."
The arrival of this fresh group of Opals marks an exciting new chapter for Australia, combining youthful energy with the steady leadership of experienced veterans. As the tournament reaches the knockout stage, this promising group is well-positioned to uphold Australia’s rich basketball legacy and pursue the country’s first-ever FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title.
With confidence high and talent on display, the new Opals’ "pinch me" moment is just the beginning of an exciting journey at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025.
FIBA