Women’s hoops news: All the happenings in the world of the WNBL with Megan Hustwaite

Shyla Heal pulled on the green and gold for the first time with the Opals over the weekend, but proud dad Shane Heal gave her one task to complete in her debut.

Shane Heal gave daughter Shyla one job on her Opals debut. Picture: MB Media/Getty Images

Go big or don’t come home, that was the message from Aussie basketball great Shane Heal as daughter Shyla made her Opals debut.

The 20-year-point guard suited up for her country at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Serbia over the weekend and fittingly, her first senior international basket was a trademark triple.

“Hitting a three as her first basket, anything less than that she would have been in trouble,” her four-time Olympian father laughed.

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Shane Heal gave daughter Shyla one job on her Opals debut. Picture: MB Media/Getty Images

“If it was a two or a free throw, nah stay in Serbia. It had to be a three.

“We were really proud parents watching from the couch. Shyla’s aimed to be an Opal since she was a little kid, it was great reward for all her hard work and sacrifices.”

Sydney coach Heal welcomes his daughter and star point guard back into the Flames (1-9) line-up for a trip to Melbourne this round to play the Boomers (7-4).

Abby Bishop’s seasoned has been cruelled by injury. Picture: Getty Images

BISHOP’S ‘KICK IN THE GUTS’

Abby Bishop has opened up about the “kick in the guts” achilles injury that’s ended her WNBL campaign.

The Southside star, who has four double-doubles from eight games on return to the league this season, sustained the injury in Round 9, days before she was set to attend Opals camp.

The 33-year-old began rehab this week after struggling to walk for the past fortnight.

“It was a kick in the guts because I was having fun, playing good basketball, surrounded by a great team and teammates, made Opals camp then bam – back to square one,” she said.

“It’s an eight to 10-week injury but it could have been a lot worse.”

Bishop will consider returning via NBL1 to regain match fitness as she strives to make the Opals team for September’s World Cup.

Abby Cubillo in action for the Canberra Capitals. Picture: Getty Images

Cubillo is mentoring the next generation of Indigenous hoopers. Picture: Hoops 4 Health

CUBILLO LEADING NEXT GENERATION

Canberra guard Abby Cubillo is a leader on the floor, in her community and now in a new national program mentoring young Indigenous basketballers.

The 22-year-old proud Larrakia woman is one of several current WNBL/NBL players and past and present Opals and Boomers taking part in the National Emerging Leaders Program launched by the Australian Basketball Players’ Association and Patty Mills’ Indigenous Basketball Australia today (TUESDAY).

Mentors will provide support and guidance to an Indigenous teen mentee, and help them set and achieve goals, over the next 12 months.

Cubillo, the first Northern Territory born-and-raised WNBL player, said opportunity and visibility were crucial.

“Leilani Mitchell has been a big role model for me, then getting to play with her at Canberra was incredible. I look up to Patty and would love to have the impact in the community that he has,” she said.

“The message I want to share with my mentee will be whatever you want to achieve, in basketball or beyond sport, if you put the work in, anything is possible.”

3 POINTERS …

… with Adelaide Lightning rookie Sammy Simons

1. I grew up supporting the Lightning and dreamt of playing for them. Laura Hodges was my idol. I’ve come full circle now and achieved one of my goals last round when I started for the first time.

2. My mum Sharon and dad Andy played WNBL and NBL and have coached me. Mum influenced my shooting and shot technique, Dad taught me more moves to the basket and the nitty-gritty stuff.

3. My boyfriend Jack Purchase plays for Perth Wildcats. With our seasons on at the same time and border restrictions, we’d seen each other for two days in the last three months. It’s nice to have someone who knows exactly what you’re going through, we’re a good support for each other.