The green light that unleashed Zitina Aokuso’s MVP form for the Townsville Fire

Zitina Aokuso looked to have unlocked her best form in the Fire’s season opener on Saturday off the back of a spectacular shooting display. Find out what piece of advice helped her turn a corner.

Zitina Aokuso drives to the basket during the round one WNBL match between Bendigo Spirit and Townsville Fire at Red Energy Arena, on November 04, 2023, in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/Getty Images)

Zitina Aokuso looked to have unlocked her best form in the Townsville Fire’s WNBL season opener on Saturday off the back of a spectacular shooting display.

Aokuso terrorised Bendigo in a player of the match performance by making 7-9 from the field including two of three three-pointers as Townsville roared to its 17th straight win, 93-80.

Her 77.8 per cent field goal shooting was the best of any WNBL player (with five or more shot attempts) through the first four games of the season.

A big year from the 24-year-old centre could see her return to the Australian Opals fold as she takes on a bigger role with the Fire in Tianna Hawkins’ absence.

Aokuso said a green light from coach Shannon Seebohm had given her the confidence to shoot from long range – typically not an arrow in her quiver last season.

Zitina Aokuso gestures to a teammate during round one. (Photo by Martin Keep/Getty Images)

“Shannon has given me a lot of confidence and I guess the green light to shoot some open threes so I took my chances,” Aokuso said.

“It’s always the next woman up and I was ready whenever he needed me to step up.

“It’s amazing not to be coming into a season injured or with any niggles. I’ve just been very consistent with my rehab and making sure I’m healthy.”

The Fire’s championship credentials were at the fore early when they hit a stunning 19-0 run return serve after giving up the first nine points of the match.

Aokuso used her size and strength to dominate the early stages, and her ability to draw and-one opportunities helped her to a game-high 20 points.

But Seebohm said he wanted to see his physical centre achieve more consistency this season.

“She had a great game. Came in and did everything we asked her to do,” Seebohm said.

“Her and Sami played quite well together in stretches so I think that’s a combination that is going to do really well this season.

“We’ve seen it every year she’s had flashes of this, so now the big thing for her is going to be being consistent and giving us that output every game.”

Zitina Aokuso shoots a free throw during the round one WNBL match between Bendigo Spirit and Townsville Fire at Red Energy Arena, on November 04, 2023, in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/Getty Images)

The Fire coach said Aokuso had been surprised when he told her that he wanted to see more three-pointers this season.

“I think she thought I was kidding at the start, but no, we want to see her start to develop that part of her game,” Seebohm said.

“The way that teams defend her, they sag off a long way and she’s actually a really good shooter. We want her to take some of those shots and she hit two of them in the first quarter.

“Hopefully she continues with that throughout the year.”

Townsville is still searching for its permanent Hawkins replacement, and Seebohm indicated an announcement could be made this week.

“We’re still working on it. There’s still a few things to be finalised,” Seebohm said.

“I think we probably are capable of playing a lot better than we did and a lot more consistent, but it’s really positive after the pre-season and everything that we’ve gone through.”

Originally published as The green light that unleashed Zitina Aokuso’s MVP form for the Townsville Fire