3
Mar
2025 Asia Cup
Brondello: 'We're in a good spot' ahead of Opals camp
Sami Whitcomb of Team Australia and head coach Sandy Brondello celebrate victory after the Women's Bronze Medal game between Team Belgium and Team Australia on day 16 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024 in Paris, France. Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
21 of Australia's best women's basketballers called up for Opals training camp in April 2025
- Nine Paris Olympians in Opals April 7-11 training squad
- Sandy Brondello preparing for Trans-Tasman Series and Asia Cup
- Squad has been selected on availability for the training camp
Nine Paris Olympians and WNBA stars as well as several first timers have been named in the Australian Opals 21-player women's squad for an April training camp in preparation for a Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand and the Asia Cup in July.
Head coach Sandy Brondello, who just re-upped with the Opals until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, has a stacked squad at her disposal including Cayla George, Steph Talbot, Alanna Smith, WNBL MVP Sami Whitcomb, Jade Melbourne, Isobel Borlase, Amy Atwell, Anneli Maley and Ally Wilson. Townsville Fire star Courtney Woods, Perth Lynx guard Miela Sowah and Adelaide Lightning young gun Isabelle Bourne have earned selection in their first Opals squad call-up after exceptional WNBL seasons.
The training camp is April 7 to 11 and has been selected on availability at the time of the camp.
"This really kick starts the year for us and allows us to have a look at who’s coming through, evaluate who we’ve got. We’re in a good spot, they all deserve to be here and I’m excited about the young talent. We’ve got the New Zealand series and that will be good competition and preparing us for Asia Cup," Brondello said.
"The biggest thing for the Opals is having contact with our core and best players who compete right around the world.
"There’s a lot to be excited about. (Shaneice) Swain, I love her flair. The game keeps evolving, we want to change a few things up and she’s really exciting. It’s good to see Sara (Blicavs) healthy and we’ll get to see where she’s at.
"I’ve been so impressed by Ally Wilson, 3x3 has really elevated her game. I’m excited by Nyadiew (Puoch) who keeps getting better and better, Saffron (Shiels) has conflicting commitments with the Gems but we’ll get her into camp, long 6’2 point guards are very rare.
"Sami (Whitcomb) wow what an MVP season she’s had and we get Alanna (Smith) back from China which has worked out well with the timing of the camp.
"Courtney, Miela and Isabelle have all earned their opportunity to be part of their first Opals camp and I’m looking forward to working with them and the whole squad."
