Garbin poised for Opals debut
Two-time JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Darcee Garbin will make her senior international debut against Argentina in China tonight.
With the Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals naming a 12-player squad for the Four Nations tournament, Garbin, along with boom Fire signing Tess Madgen, will commence their six-game campaign from 6pm tonight when they square off against Argentina.
“Any time you get to represent your country is an absolute honour and I am super excited to make my Opals debut,” Garbin said prior to her departure.
“Hopefully it’s an opportunity for me to be able to show Sandy (Brondello) what I can do.”
The 23-year-old remains in MVP contention in the QBL after leading the Townsville Flames to a 12-1 record to sit on top of the ladder.
Garbin has been the linchpin of the Flames’ offence, sitting inside the top-10 after averaging 20.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
With Ezi Magbegor and Kelsey Griffin the only other posts in the Australian squad, Garbin is expected to play a prominent role in the Opals’ rotation.
Meanwhile, Madgen will return to Opals duties for the first time since narrowly missing the cut for the Rio Olympics.
The former Phoenix Mercury playmaker was the last guard cut prior to Rio, with the Opals missing a medal for the first time since 1992.
“These games provide us with the opportunity to play three different styles which will be invaluable for our preparation,” Opals coach Sandy Brondello said.
“Every game we have from now until the World Cup is extremely important as it allows us to continue to work on our chemistry, style of play and culture.
“While our WNBA players will be absent, it is a chance for other players in our squad to show their potential and push for selection for the World Cup team.”
The Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals Four-Nation Tournament Schedule (all times AEST):
July 14: Australia vs. Argentina at 6pm
July 15: Australia vs. Serbia at 6pm
July 16: Australia vs. China at 9.30pm
July 19: Australia vs. Argentina at 6pm
July 20: Australia vs. Serbia at 9.30pm
July 21: Australia vs. China at 6pm