New Sydney Uni Flames recruit Alex Bunton cracks first Opals team

ONE of the most injury prone athletes in basketball has put years of pain and rehabilitation behind her with new Sydney Uni Flames recruit Alex Bunton named in the Opals for the first time.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

less than 2 min read

August 22, 2018 - 3:58PM

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ONE of the most injury prone athletes in basketball has put years of pain and rehabilitation behind her with new Sydney Uni Flames recruit Alex Bunton named in the Australian Opals for the first time.

Bunton, returning to the WNBL in 2018/19 after a season in Russia, has been named in the Opals 12 heading to Spain for the September world cup.

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“Alex has worked very hard to get back to full fitness under the guidance of Jan Legg (strength and conditioning coach),” said Opals coach and former Australian player Sandy Brondello of the 24-year-old who has endured multiple knee surgeries, ankle surgery and a broken nose.

Alex Bunton playing for the Supercats in the SEABL competition.

“She is another big body who will give us an inside presence on offence as well as provide us with another physical post player and strong rebounder at the defensive end.

“Alex has always had a lot of potential and now with a healthy body I am looking forward to watching her development at the FIBA World Cup and beyond.”

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Bunton is the only Flames player to make the cut for the world No.4 ranked Opals with former Sydney stars Leilani Mitchell (Canberra) and Katie-Rae Ebzery (Perth) also in the side.

The Opals boast five players from the disappointing Rio campaign in WNBA Dallas Wings teammates Liz Cambage and Cayla George, Mitchell, Steph Talbot and Ebzery.