Garbin added to Commonwealth Games squad
Two-time WNBL championship winner Darcee Garbin has been included in the Opals’ squad ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Having enjoyed a breakout season with the JCU Townsville Fire, the 23-year-old, who captained Australia to a gold medal at the World University Games in 2017, will link up with the Opals at the up-coming European camp in Italy.
Championship-winning teammates Suzy Batkovic and Cayla George were previously named in the preliminary squad.
During the 2017/18 WNBL season, Garbin averaged a career-high 10 points and 4.5 rebounds as the competition’s premier sixth man, leading the Fire to a third title on Sunday.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be named in any Australian squad,” Garbin said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to represent Australia at junior level – and the World Uni Games – but it would be a dream come true to play for the Opals.
“Australia is so fortunate to have so many quality bigs that it will be a challenge to make the Commonwealth Games team, but with the preliminaries to be held in Townsville, it would be a huge thrill to play in front of my home fans.
“I’ll just try and do the things that Sandy (Brondello) asks of me and the rest is out of my control.”
With the Opals to train at the AIS European Training Centre from February 6, Garbin, who signed with the Fire through until 2020, will enjoy a short break including tomorrow’s Loloma Jewellers MVP before returning to the floor.
The preliminary games for the 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held in Townsville before moving to the Gold Coast for the medal rounds.
Coach Sandy Brondello said she was impressed by the energy and athleticism Garbin brought to the Fire during their championship run this season.
“After a dominant World University Games play and a strong WNBL season, Darcee proved that she deserved to be included in the Opals squad camp in Italy next month,” Brondello said.
“After watching a few of her games live while in Australia, I was even more impressed with her skill level, athleticism and versatility at both ends of the floor.
“I look forward to seeing her compete against other players in her position in camp. She definitely has a bright future”.
The JCU Townsville Fire congratulate Darcee Garbin on her Opals’ selection.