The Australian Opals are back with a bang, and this time, they’re bringing some familiar faces—and a whole lot of firepower. But here’s where it gets exciting: after a heartbreaking knee injury sidelined her during the Opals’ Asia Cup triumph, point guard Maddy Rocci is making her long-awaited return to the squad. And she’s not alone. National coach Sandy Brondello has unveiled a 19-player roster packed with WNBA stars and rising talents, all gearing up for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament in Turkey this March.
While the Opals have already secured their spot in the World Cup in Germany this September, the Turkey campaign is about more than just qualification. And this is the part most people miss: it’s a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their strategy and build on their 2022 bronze medal success. With several new additions to the team that dominated the Asia Cup last July, Rocci’s return stands out—she’s been out of action since 2023, but her stellar performance with the Southside Melbourne Flyers (averaging 16.6 points and 6.27 assists per game) has earned her a well-deserved comeback.
Here’s where it gets controversial: while Rocci’s return is a no-brainer, the inclusion of sharp-shooter Amy Atwell might raise some eyebrows. Her 20-point-plus performances with the Perth Lynx have earned her a spot, but is she truly World Cup material? Only time will tell. Joining her are Olympian Steph Talbot, who missed the Asia Cup due to her commitments in the US, and WNBA powerhouses Ezi Magbegor, Sami Whitcomb, and Alanna Smith.
Brondello emphasized that squad selection was based on current form and fit within her system. ‘With tough competition ahead, this tournament isn’t just about winning—it’s about building momentum for the World Cup,’ she said. ‘Having full access to our talent pool is a luxury we don’t often have, and it gives us real confidence.’ But here’s the question: with such a deep roster, will the Opals find the right balance to dominate in Turkey and beyond?
The Opals will face stiff competition from Argentina, Japan, Hungary, Turkey, and Canada in the qualifying tournament. The final 12-player squad for the World Cup will be announced in the new year, leaving plenty of time for speculation and debate. What do you think? Is this the team to bring home gold, or are there still pieces missing? Let us know in the comments!
Opals Squad:
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).
