After missing the Opals' golden Asia Cup campaign with a knee injury, point guard Maddy Rocci has earned a spot back in the Australian squad.
National coach Sandy Brondello announced her 19-player roster on Saturday ahead of the FIBA women's Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament in Turkey in March.
Although the Opals have already qualified for the showpiece in Germany in September, the Turkey campaign will provide the team a chance to build and hopefully improve on their bronze medal effort in 2022.
There are several new faces in the squad that won the Asia Cup last July, but Rocci is the most noticeable in having been out since 2023.
Rocci suffered her injury just two days before she can fly out to Asia, the 27-year-old picking up a knee injury.
Her fast start for the Southside Melbourne Flyers earned her a spot back, averaging 16.6 points and jumping to second in assists (6.27 per game) in the WNBL.
Sharp-shooter Amy Atwell was rewarded for her 20-point-plus performances with the Perth Lynx, getting her first call-up since the Paris Olympics.
She will be joined by Olympian Steph Talbot who missed out on the Asia Cup as she was playing in the US.
Other WNBA stars Ezi Magbegor, Sami Whitcomb and Alanna Smith are also back in the side.
Brondello said the squad selection was based on form and who would fit into her system.
“With tough competition ahead, this tournament isn’t just about winning - it’s an important step in building toward the World Cup," she said.
“Availability is hugely important and honestly a luxury we don’t often have in the international space. Having full access to the talent pool gives us real clarity and confidence.
“It was a difficult process given the depth we have, but we believe this roster gives us the best balance to compete in Turkey while continuing to build toward the World Cup.”
The Opals will face Argentina, Japan, Hungary, Turkey and Canada in the tournament.
The final 12 for the Opals will be announced in the new year.
OPALS:
Zitina Aokuso (Canberra Capitals), Amy Atwell (Perth Lynx), Chloe Bibby (Uni Girona CB), Sara Blicavs (Canberra Capitals), Isobel Borlase (Southside Melbourne Flyers), Issy Bourne (Southside Melbourne Flyers), Abbey Ellis (Townsville Fire), Alexandra Fowler (Townsville Fire), Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm), Jade Melbourne (Canberra Capitals), Stephanie Reid (Dongguan New Century), Maddy Rocci (Southside Melbourne Flyers), Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx), Miela Sowah (Townsville Fire), Steph Talbot (Adelaide), Sami Whitcomb (Besiktas), Alex Wilson (Perth Lynx), Courtney Woods (Townsville Fire).
