Four SA players named in Opals squad for first training camp ahead of Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Four South Australian talents are in the frame for the Opals’ gold medal quest, after earning selection for the national team’s first training camp ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
Olympics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Olympics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A South Australian quartet is in the frame for the Opals’ gold medal quest, after earning selection for the national team’s first training camp on the road to the Tokyo Olympics.
Adelaide Lightning pair Nicole Seekamp and Stephanie Talbot, along with fellow Croweaters Cayla George (Melbourne Boomers) and Tess Madgen (Townsville Fire), were on Monday named in the squad.
They will link up with the SA club’s Sydney-born guard Lauren Nicholson at the March 29-April 5 camp on the Gold Coast.
Three-time silver-medallist Australia secured its Olympic berth with a 2-1 record at last month’s qualifying tournament in France.
Opals coach Sandy Brondello will cut the 19-player squad to 12 in late June, ahead of her side’s Games-opener the following month.
Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial >
NBA Pick’Em Weekly 6
Pick 6 winners to WIN a share of $25,000
“We are excited to have secured our spot for Tokyo and look forward to working hard over the next five months to ensure we are ready to play our best basketball,” Brondello said.
“With that in mind, we are thrilled to name our Olympic squad, which we believe to be very strong with great versatility, depth and size.
“The first step of our preparation will begin next month with a camp on the Gold Coast.
“The coaches and I are anticipating some tough decisions in naming the final team.”
Australia crashed out of the Rio Olympics at the quarter-final stage, having claimed medals at the previous five Games.
The world’s No. 2 ranked team boasts a host of star names including WNBA talents Liz Cambage, Bec Allen, Leilani Mitchell, Alanna Smith and Sami Whitcomb.
WNBL All Stars Jenna O’Hea and Katie-Rae Ebzery also feature, along with the domestic competition’s youth player of the year, Ezi Magbegor.