Revealed: Opals coach Sandy Brondello names her rising stars to watch

Sandy Brondello knows talent when she sees it. These are the rising stars of Australian basketball the Opals coach has earmarked for the top.

Opals coach Sandy Brondello is bracing for arguably the toughest team selection in her career ahead of next year’s World Cup in Berlin.

That’s the reality facing Brondello after a host of fresh faces emerged to help the Opals win their first-ever Asia Cup gold medal with a classic win over Japan on Sunday.

In a red-letter 24 hours for Australian women’s basketball, the next generation Gems also pushed USA to secure a silver medal at the Under-19s World Cup.

The podium-winning success has left Brondello with a host of big decisions to make when contemplating her squad for next year’s World Cup in Germany.

“Looking ahead, selecting a World Cup team will be no easy task – but that’s a great challenge to have,” Brondello told Code Sports.

“I’m excited about the depth and potential of this group.

“Paul Goriss did a masterful job leading this group as coach, and I couldn’t be happier for everyone involved.”

BRIGHT FUTURE: 2025 FIBA Asia Cup MVP - and Opals debutante - Alex Fowler. Picture: Courtney McDonnell/Basketball Australia

Australia’s Asia Cup success means the Opals have secured automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup in Germany next September.

Brondello says it is an “incredible achievement” to qualify for the Cup, but she is more excited about the emergence of young stars in the team.

“It was inspiring to see new faces step into expanded roles and thrive,” she said.

“Alex Fowler, a late addition to our March camp, has been flawless ever since – relentless, highly skilled, composed, and with a high basketball IQ.

“Alex simply does not stop working.”

Brondello also reserved praise for the Opals’ senior players for showcasing class and poise on the world stage.

She knows the program wouldn’t be where it is today and into the future without veterans like Asia Cup skipper Cayla George.

“Cayla delivered countless inspirational moments – none more important than her outstanding leadership as our new captain,” she said.

“Steph Reid showed the growth in her game following her first European season.

“Sara Blicavs was exceptional throughout the tournament, making a major impact after her recovery from spinal fusion surgery.

“Ally Wilson displayed her class, overcoming a knee injury to play a starring role in the final.

“The list goes on … Every single player who took the floor brought true Aussie grit and played unselfishly as a team.”

Incredibly proud of our Australian Gems 🫂

Going 5-1 in the FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, the Gems took home silver overnight against the USA 🥈

Former Sydney Flame Bonnie Deas was named to the All-Star Five, while Flames assistant coach Renae Garlepp was named Best Coach 📋 pic.twitter.com/ycwSV2KSl4

— WNBL (@WNBL) July 21, 2025

To cap off a banner weekend for Australian basketball, a gifted Gems side put the world on notice with a gusty loss to the almighty Americans in the gold medal game at the Under-19s World Cup.

The podium appearance was the seventh medal the Gems have won at the 19s Cup dating back to 1993.

Brondello is busy with her WNBA coaching commitments at the New York Liberty, but it didn’t stop her from tuning into watch the Gems.

She couldn’t be prouder to see the 19s girls star on the world stage, declaring the future for “women’s basketball in Australia is in great hands”.

“The Gems’ silver medal showed the world just how much young talent we have coming through,” Brondello beamed.

“Renae Garlepp, an assistant with the Opals and a coach with a very bright future, led the team with calm composure and instilled real confidence in her players. The Gems played a fast and exciting brand of basketball.”

Brondello nominated six Gems players who caught her eye throughout the Under 19s World Cup.

Bonnie Deas: Guard

2025 U19 World Cup stats: 12.3pts, 7.7rbs, 3ast

Deas was outstanding at the World Cup and her All-Star selection came as no surprise after her strong season with the Sydney Flames. Her WNBL experience has clearly helped her become a stronger all-round player and we’re now seeing the benefit of that on the world stage.

Australian Bonnie Deas named to the tournament All-Star Five for the Gems. Congratulations Bonnie. #FIBAU19pic.twitter.com/ycsOR3LLD5

— Tom Hersz (@tomhersz) July 20, 2025

Sitaya Fagan: Forward 

2025 U19 World Cup stats: 12.3pts, 5.8rbs, 1.3ast

Fagan’s elite athleticism stood out throughout the World Cup campaign and her future is incredibly bright. There is a reason she has attracted up to 18 NCAA Division 1 college offers. Her 189cm frame makes her a real presence in the paint.

6’4” Sitaya Fagan is a HOOPER 😮‍💨 #FIBAU17pic.twitter.com/zFFHbS8w2r

— NextGen Hoops (@NextGenHoops) May 28, 2025

Sienna Harvey: Guard

2025 U19 World Cup stats: 5.8pts, 2.8rbs, 3.2ast

Harvey managed the point guard position with poise and control. She has benefited from a NBL1 season with the Melbourne Tigers and I’m expecting she’ll continue to make strides forward in the US College system at Washington.

Australian Gem Sienna Harvey spots an opening during the gold medal clash with Team USA at the FIBA U19 Women's World Cup. Picture: FIBA

Maddy Ryan: Small forward

2025 U19 World Cup stats: 9pts, 3.3rbs, 1.2ast

This 16-year-old was a joy to watch throughout the Gems’ World Cup campaign. I enjoyed Ryan’s 22-point game against Brazil in the pool rounds. She is also capable from three and I look forward to seeing her progress further playing for Australia in the Under 17s Asia Cup in September.

Victorian Madison Ryan, just 16, was the youngest member of the silver-medal winning Gems squad at the FIBA U19 Women's World Cup. Picture: FIBA

Monique Bobongie: Guard

2025 U19 World Cup stats: 11.5pts, 3.2rbs, 2.2ast

Bobongie showcased her ability to knock down big shots when it mattered most at the World Cup. I can’t wait to see her take more steps forward in her starting role with the Canberra Capitals in the upcoming WNBL season.

Monique Bobongie FIBA U19 Women's World Cup 2025 Highlights

Averages: 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals pic.twitter.com/ft5IWtmGlY

— Cristian (@DouBasket28) July 21, 2025

Manuela Puoch: Forward 

2025 U19 World Cup stats: 9.5pts, 6.8rbs, 2.8ast

Puoch showed her versatility at the World Cup, scoring inside and out and protecting the paint. She will only continue to improve playing against seasoned pros in the WNBL with the Southside Flyers.

I’ve also been intrigued a bit by Manuela Puoch’s passing in the past #FIBAU19 World Cup games. Good vision/feel.

Stuff like that is needed for her this WNBL season (especially if she wants to boost her 2026 WNBA Draft stock) https://t.co/ljva6aaQXepic.twitter.com/Ul6BpAINlz

— Alford Corriette (@alfcorriette) July 17, 2025