WNBL 2022: Opals name squad for Serbian World Cup qualifiers in wake of Djokovic deportation
Basketball Australia will take travel advice from the Federal Government in the wake of Novak Djokovic’s deportation as it prepares to head to Serbia for World Cup qualifiers.
Women's Basketball
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Opals coach Sandy Brondello has picked an array of in-form WNBL stars for an intense training camp ahead of next month’s FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The squad of 16 will converge in Sydney from January 31 to February 4. The Opals will be the first Australian sporting team to travel to Serbia, for the February tournament, in the wake of Novak Djokovic’s deportation.
Basketball Australia says it will communicate with the federal government and take its travel advice.
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Anneli Maley will attend her first Opals camp, reward for strong form with the Bendigo Spirit.
“I really love the Opals culture and what they stand for. My idol growing up was Penny Taylor, I really loved the way she played,” she said.
“Getting a spot at camp is fantastic. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’ll put it 100 per cent, probably more.”
Southside Flyers have four players in the squad including London Olympian Abby Bishop who returns to the national program for the first time since 2019.
Players outside of the training camp remain eligible for selection for this year’s FIBA World Cup in Sydney.
Opals squad: Alanna Smith (Adelaide Lightning), Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning), Anneli Maley (Bendigo Spirit), Ezi Magbegor (Melbourne Boomers), Cayla George (Melbourne Boomers), Tess Madgen (Melbourne Boomers), Sami Whitcomb (Perth Lynx), Darcee Garbin (Perth Lynx), Bec Cole (Southside Flyers), Sara Blicavs (Southside Flyers), Maddy Rocci (Southside Flyers), Abby Bishop (Southside Flyers), Shyla Heal (Sydney Flames), Lauren Nicholson (Townsville Fire), Zitina Aokuso (Townsville Fire), Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals).
Things looking up for Flames
Sydney Flames are one united bunch.
The whole team succumbed to Covid to start the New Year but are now healthy and ready to land their first win having played just three games.
Sydney’s had a bad trot with imports losing Leanna Odom (injury) before the season, Steph Watts, who top scored on debut in Round 1, ruptured her ACL and Chelsea Dungee returned home.
Minnesota Lynx draftee Rennia Davis has arrived and will complement Keely Froling in the front court.
Coach Shane Heal says his Flames are raring to go against Adelaide on Thursday.
“Once we start playing again, I think we’ll start gelling, get some momentum and feel good,” Heal said.
“Our defence has been elite so far, in a number of categories, it’s just our offence that’s a little further behind because we haven’t played and we’ve missed the Americans.”
Covid floors Cole
Southside Flyers star Bec Cole has opened up about her recovery from Covid.
The guard was hit hard by the virus at Christmas and returned to the court last week. She was
exhausted after the overtime game against Perth then back up three days later with 17 first-half points against Melbourne.
“It’s been rough. I didn’t miss a game but when I first came back, nobody tells you about your lungs, how bad it is,” she told me during an interview on Fox Sports and Kayo.
“I feel better, I’ve now got plans in place with our sports doctor to know what to do every day to recover.”
Three pointers
With Perth Lynx import Marina Mabrey
Averaging a league high 26.7 points per game.
“I’ve only played four games, I’m not even in game shape yet. I’m excited to see what else I can offer to my teammates and the league.
“The most enjoyable thing about playing with Perth is that they’re aligned with my alignment.
“They enjoy life, play basketball because they love it and when you come from that it’s easy to grow.
“We’re staying in Ballarat, it’s not Perth but it’s good. I drink coffee and cafe Lekker in Doveton St and Grill’d have all my money.”
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