Rotunno named in Gems World Cup train-on squad
Fresh off helping her Australian Gems win the gold medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championships, Sydney Flames guard Lilly Rotunno is in the mix to represent her country again in the coming months.
The 19-year-old was recently named in the Gems squad, which will converge on Canberra from March 13-15 for the first camp ahead of 2023 FIBA Under 19 Women’s World Cup in Madrid, Spain.
“I’m extremely excited and definitely grateful to get another opportunity to trial for the World Cup team,” Rotunno said.
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“The experience with the girls and the coaching staff that came to India was definitely one of a kind so I’m happy to be back with some of those girls competing and doing what we do together again.”
The Flames amateur player, who recently penned an NBL1 North deal with Red City, admits making this Gems final squad for the July 15-23 tournament has been a long-term goal of hers.
“This has been one of my goals ever since I got introduced to the Australian system,” the Queensland under 20s representative said.
“I have been to a few of the development and performance camps over my junior career so this is exactly what I have been working towards all those years.
“Making this team would definitely be one of the biggest highlights of my career.
“Putting on a green and gold jersey is always a privilege and having the opportunity to do that again would be a dream come true.”
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Rotunno believes her maiden season in the WNBL with the Hoops Capital club has provided her with the best chance of achieving that dream.
“Going into this next trial, coming off the back of this WNBL season with the Flames is exactly what I needed,” the Gold Coast junior said.
“I have been able to learn from and compete with the best point guards in the league every day at training – I feel like I have done so much learning and improving that now I can finally put that into play at this camp.
“I know that my confidence has grown since being with the Flames, as this season I feel I have learnt to believe in myself and trust all the hard work I have put in.”
Rotunno and her Flames next hit the court on Sunday, February 26 against the Fire at the Townsville Entertainment Centre – which will be broadcast from 4pm AEDT on 9Now.