Basketball 2022: Sydney Flames star Keely Froling named in strong 21-player Opals World Cup squad

Sydney Flames star Keely Froling is edging closer to featuring in a home World Cup after being included in a 21-player squad for three games against Olympic silver medallists Japan. FULL SQUAD

In-form forward Keely Froling has emerged as an Opals World Cup bolter following a breakout WNBL season with Shane Heal’s Sydney Flames.

Froling has been named in a strong extended 21-player squad featuring WNBL MVP Anneli Maley, two-time Olympian Cayla George and All-Star five captain Sami Whitcomb for the Cup in Sydney from September 22 to October 1.

Froling, who helped Australia claim bronze at the 2021 Asian Cup, is yet to play for the Opals at a World Cup or Olympics.

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The 26-year-old joint winner of the Flames’ MVP alongside Shyla Heal is feeling confident about her chances of making the World Cup squad alongside promising rising players such as in-form Townsville guard Steph Reid, who replaces Southside Flyers forward Abbey Bishop in the squad after she withdrew.

“It is always exciting to get named in a squad like that with the chance to play at a home World Cup, which would be incredible,” said Froling, who averaged 16 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Flames this WNBL season.

Keely Froling has emerged as a World Cup bolter for the Opals. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

“I finished the WNBL season well, so for me it is about working on the little things, getting back into the gym. I’ve been putting in a lot of work. This is a big opportunity; anything can happen at the camp and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got.”

The Opals will play Tokyo Olympic silver medallists Japan next month in three warm-up matches before the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.

Japan are one of the favourites coming into September’s World Cup, so the games will provide an invaluable insight into the Australian’s Cup chances.

The Quaycentre at Sydney’s Olympic Park will host two games the while the third game will be played at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Froling knows the warm-up games against Japan will be critical preparation on the road to the World Cup.

“We will all be bringing our A-game,” she said.

“We know the quality of the Japanese team and the discipline they play with, so this is an incredible opportunity for us.

“We all want a podium finish in September and the only way that will happen is with quality international matches under our belt.

“We appreciate the opportunity to play at home and we can assure the fans we will be putting it all out on the court next month.”

Opals coach Sandy Brondello is full of praise for the opportunity to play more games at home.

“Covid certainly threw up challenges with our inability to compete internationally and gain vital match practice,” Brondello said.

“Having games against a quality opponent such as Japan in Sydney is invaluable for our squad and it will give the fans a taste of what’s to come in September.

“We expect Japan to be one of the favourites heading into the World Cup and to have the opportunity to test our squad against them next month is a great result.”

AUSTRALIA VS JAPAN - WORLD CUP WARM-UP GAMES

Friday 27 May: Qaycentre, 7.30pm

Sunday 29 May: Quaycentre, 3pm

Tuesday 31 May: Newcastle Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm

Tickets for the series will go on sale from Tuesday, April 19 at 2pm at Ticketek.com.

Opals stars Ezi Magbegor and Shyla Heal are in the extended 21-player squad building up to the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney.

OPALS WORLD CUP SQUAD

Rebecca Allen (New York Liberty*)

Zitina Aokuso (Townsville Fire)

Sara Blicavs (Southside Flyers)

Rebecca Cole (Southside Flyers)

Keely Froling (Sydney Uni Flames)

Darcee Garbin (Perth Lynx)

Cayla George (Melbourne Boomers)

Shyla Heal (Sydney Uni Flames)

Ezi Magbegor (Melbourne Boomers/Seattle Storm*)

Tess Madgen (Melbourne Boomers)

Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals/Seattle Storm*)

Lauren Nicholson (Townsville Fire)

Stephanie Reid (Townville Fire)

Maddison Rocci (Southside Flyers)

Alanna Smith (Adelaide Lightning/Indiana Fever*)

Lauren Scherf (Perth Lynx)

Stephanie Talbot (Adelaide Lightning/Seattle Storm*)

Marianna Tolo (Basket Landes**)

Kristy Wallace (Southside Flyers/Atlanta Dream*)

Sami Whitcomb (Perth Lynx/New York Liberty*)

Anneli Maley (Bendigo Spirit/ Chicago Sky*)