Ballarat-born sensation named in squad as Opals head to China for Paris warm-up matches

After strong performances in the USA college system, 23-year-old Georgia Amoore will make her first appearance in the green and gold, named alongside LJ in the Opals squad heading to China.

The Opals will blood gifted rookie point guard Georgia Amoore alongside the legendary Lauren Jackson in a potent squad for Olympic warm-up games against China in preparation for the Paris Games.

With the team’s WNBA stars unavailable, Australian coach Sandy Brondello has turned to a strong mix of youth and experience to take on the Chinese in three games from May 26 to June 3.

It will be the first time 23-year-old Amoore – an exciting Virginia Tech (NCAA College) prospect - takes to the court in green and gold.

The Ballarat-born talent set a program record for points in an AAC game in March with 39.

This season she has averaged 18.8 points and 6.8 assists, so there is a lot to like about this emerging guard.

Ballarat-born Georgia Amoore will make her first appearance in the green and gold at China friendly series. Picture: Ryan Hunt / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP.

On the other side of the ledger, the Jackson needs no introduction having come off a successful WNBL season to claim her seventh championship.

She is ready to take the next step towards her fifth Olympics in Paris this July and August.

The Opals will be without WNBA stars like Bec Allen, Ezi Magbegor and Sami Whitcomb, but coach Brondello says the importance of international games in the lead-in to Paris can’t be understated.

“We have a diverse squad that we will need to narrow down to 12 players, games such as these where we test players in real conditions with travel, accommodation and multiple games is where we can make some key assessments,” Brondello said.

“There will be another tour announced soon that will give other members of the squad an opportunity then we will cut the list down for the Melbourne games.

“It’s exciting to see how we match up against China, we have a competitive history, and I know the team is going there for the win.”

Lauren Jackson will line up for the Opals once again for warm up games in China as she continues to prepare for her fifth Olympics. Picture: FIBA.

The international games against China will be played in Benxi City and Shenyang City.

The Opals will play China again in a series at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena from July 3 to 5 before the team departs for the Paris Games.

Australia – Opals (China tour 26 May – 3 June)

Georgia Amoore, Lauren Jackson, Zitina Aokuso, Alice Kunek, Chloe Bibby, Tess Madgen (C), Isobel Borlase, Lauren Nicholson, Darcee Garbin, Steph Reid, Cayla George, Maddy Rocci.

Head Coach: Cheryl Chambers

Assistant: Renae Garlepp

Assistant: Kristi Harrower

Originally published as Ballarat-born sensation named in squad as Opals head to China for Paris warm-up matches