Flames duo headline Opals squad for Asia Cup in Sydney
Flames pair Tess Madgen and Lauren Nicholson will headline the Australian Opals squad during their 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, which tips off in Sydney on Monday.
World Cup bronze medallists Madgen, Darcee Garbin and Anneli Maley are joined in the 12-person squad by previous Asia Cup medallists Alice Kunek (silver, 2017) and 2021 bronze medallists Nicholson, Keely Froling and Lauren Scherf.
This is Garbin’s third consecutive Asia Cup campaign having played in 2019 in India and Jordan in 2021.
BECOME A FLAMES WNBL24 MEMBER TODAY
Victorian duo Chloe Bibby and Chantel Horvat and Western Australia’s Amy Atwell will make their Opals debut in front of family and friends at the tournament which runs from June 26 to July 2 at Quaycentre.
Shyla Heal and Maddy Rocci get their opportunity on the back of strong WNBL form.
With experience and success leading junior sides at FIBA competition, Shannon Seebohm takes the reigns as head coach for the first time while Sandy Brondello leads New York Liberty in the WNBA.
Unfortunately, injury and unavailability impacted the 19-player extended squad which was named last month with Marianna Tolo (foot) and Steph Reid (calf) sidelined, while Nyadiew Puoch and Isobel Borlase are preparing for the FIBA Women’s Under-19 World Cup in Spain next month.
Check out the Flames’ Cayla George hype above, via our Sydney Flames’ YouTube channel. While you’re there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.
With the team assembled for its preparation camp in Sydney ahead of the first game, Seebohm said he was pleased to lock in the final 12 and every member was looking forward to the challenge of competing against Asia’s best.
“It’s always a big moment in basketball when an Opals team comes together and I’m excited to see what this group can achieve on the court,” Seebohm said.
“We’ve got a good mix of players with the experience of Tess, Darcee and Anneli, while it’s very exciting for Chloe, Chantel and Amy who make their Opals debut.
“Between both international and domestic basketball calendars, schedules do become very busy, so we did face challenges with player availability as well as those trying to recover from injuries.
“The positive is that this gives opportunities to other players, like our debutants, who have the chance to gain valuable experience against international players and represent Australia, which is a special moment for any professional athlete.
“We hope sports fans and the basketball community will get behind the team and come to the Quaycentre and cheer us on.”
READ MORE: HOOPS PARK GIVES SYDNEY ITS VERY OWN ELITE STREETBALL FACILITY
Top of Group B, the Opals launch their Asia Cup campaign against the Philippines on the opening night of the tournament on Monday, June 26, play Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, June 27 and then complete their pool games against third-ranked Japan on Wednesday, June 28.
Thursday is a tournament rest day before finals are played across Friday and Saturday with medal games contested on Sunday, July 2.
World Cup silver medallist China headlines Group A which also features Korea, New Zealand and Lebanon.
Flames fans can watch Madgen, Nicholson and the squad by grabbing their tickets now via here.