Shyla Heal and Keely Froling selected Opals

April 14, 2022 | Sydney Flames news

Two of the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames’ brightest stars have been named in the Opals squad to take on the might of Olympic silver medallist Japan next month. 

Star point guard Shyla Heal and Flames co-captain Keely Froling were named in the squad which will play Japan in three important matches in the lead-up to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022. 

Two games will be played at Sydney’s Olympic Park at the Quaycentre and the third at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.  

For Froling, it’s a recognition of her talent after she missed the side for the qualifiers in February despite having played a critical role for the Opals in the Asia Cup last year. 

 “I’m so happy for Keely to be named in the Opals squad,” Flames coach Shane Heal said. 

“Her WNBL season was outstanding, and I think she showed she has what it takes to become an Opal.  

“Her toughness and mobility to play multiple positions really fits what the opals need moving forward.” 

Shyla Heal made her debut in the World Cup qualifiers in Serbia and is considered an integral part of the Opals future.  

“Shyla gained tremendous experience with the opals in the qualifiers in Serbia,” her father Shane said.  

“Each camp and games will only help her as she looks to grow within the opals ranks for years to come.  

“With key WNBA Opals out of the next camp and games it will provide further opportunities for her to show her worth.” 

The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and lead-in events are supported by the NSW Government through its major events and tourism agency, Destination NSW and the Office of Sport. 

Australia vs Japan – Game Details 

Friday 27 May               Quaycentre                                           7.30pm 

Sunday 29 May             Quaycentre                                           3.00pm 

Tuesday 31 May            Newcastle Entertainment Centre     7.30pm 

  

Tickets for the series will go on sale Tuesday 19 April at 2pm at Ticketek. 

  

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 

The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 will be held at Sydney Olympic Park from Thursday, 22 September to Saturday, 1 October.

Returning to local shores for the first time since Australia hosted in 1994, FIBA’s flagship women’s event will see 12 powerhouse basketball nations compete in 38 games across 10 days of action, all vying for the coveted World title.

The Opals, who are automatic qualifiers alongside rivals Team USA, have medalled in five of the last six World Cups, including a gold medal in 2006. 

  

Basketball Australia Opals Squad 2022 

  

Rebecca Allen                New York Liberty *

Zitina Aokuso                 Townsville Fire

Sara Blicavs                  Southside Flyers

Rebecca Cole                 Southside Flyers

Keely Froling                 Sydney Uni Flames

Darcee Garbin               Perth Lynx

Cayla George                Melbourne Boomers

Shyla Heal                     Sydney Uni Flames

Ezi Magbegor                Melbourne Boomers/Seattle Storm*

Tess Madgen                 Melbourne Boomers

Jade Melbourne            UC  Capitals/ Seattle Storm*

Lauren Nicholson         Townsville Fire

Stephanie Reid              Townville Fire

Maddison Rocci            Southside Flyers

Alanna Smith                Adelaide Lightning/Indiana Fever*

Lauren Scherf               Perth Lynx

Stephanie Talbot            Adelaide Lightning/Seattle Storm*

Marianna Tolo               Basket Landes**

Kristy Wallace                Southside Flyers/Atlanta Dream*

Sami Whitcomb             Perth Lynx/New York Liberty *

Anneli Maley                  Bendigo Spirit/ Chicago Sky*

  

*WNBA 

**Europe