11 NBL1 players selected for the Asia Cup Opals

Basketball Australia has announced the 12-player squad that will represent the Opals ahead of the FIBA Asia Women’s World Cup in Sydney.

Starting on Monday, 11 players from the 2023 NBL1 season will wear the green and gold from June 26th - July 2nd.

2022 NBL1 North Coach of the Year Shannon Seebohm takes the reigns as head coach for the first time while Sandy Brondello leads New York Liberty in the WNBA. 

He said that it will be a great mixture of veteran Opals and debutants. 

“It’s always a big moment in basketball when an Opals team comes together and I’m excited to see what this group can achieve on the court,” he said.

“We’ve got a good mix of players with the experience of Tess, Darcee and Anneli, while it’s very exciting for Chloe, Chantel and Amy who make their Opals debut.”

Top of Group B, the Opals launch their Asia Cup campaign against the Philippines on the opening night of the tournament on Monday June 26, play Chinese Taipei on Tuesday June 27 and then complete their pool games against third-ranked Japan on Wednesday June 28.

Thursday is a tournament rest day before finals are played across Friday and Saturday with medal games contested on Sunday July 2.

Other NBL1 players representing their country include Geelong United Supercats forward Monica Okoye for Japan, while the Tall Ferns will feature Penina Davidson (Cairns Dolphins) and Tahlia Tupaea (Penrith Panthers). 

See the full team below: 

Amy Atwell (Bendigo Braves)

Chloe Bibby (Frankston Blues)

Keely Froling (Launceston Tornadoes)

Darcee Garbin (Goldfields Giants)

Shyla Heal (Sydney Comets)

Chantel Horvat (Geelong United Supercats)

Alice Kunek (Nunawading Spectres)

Tess Madgen

Anneli Maley (Eltham Wildcats)

Lauren Nicholson (Sutherland Sharks)

Maddy Rocci (South West Metro Pirates)

Lauren Scherf (Perth Redbacks)