Striking Gold! The 2006 World Champion Opals

• First Australian basketball team to win a major international tournament
• Led by MVP Penny Taylor and captain Lauren Jackson
• First team ever inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame

The unbeaten Opals' 2006 World Championship team delivered Australia's first-ever gold medal in the sport on the global stage. The Opals had been on the cusp of glory for more than a decade but it was the 2006 squad that finally broke through after beating Russia 91-74 in the gold medal game.

Australian bigs Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor dominated the tournament. Taylor was awarded the MVP while Jackson led the championships in scoring at 21.3 ppg. Jackson also averaged 8.9 boards per game. Both Jackson and Taylor's efficiency were elite: 21.9 and 21.0 respectively.

Location: Australia
Year Founded: 1984 (Opals programme)
Championships: 1 (2006 World Championship)
Major Rivals: USA and Russia

2006 World Cup Champion Opals

Tully Bevilaqua, Hollie Grima, Kristi Harrower, Laura Hodges, Lauren Jackson, Emily McInerny, Erin Phillips, Emma Randall, Jennifer Screen, Belinda Snell, Penny Taylor, and Jennifer Whittle.

Road to Glory

1. Opals beat Lithuania 2-0
2. Opals destroy Senegal 95-55
3. Opals crush Canada 97-65
4. Opals narrowly escape Spain 72-68
5. Opals dominated Brazil 82-73
6. Opals crush Argentina 83-49
7. Opals dismantle France 79-66
8. Semi-Final: Opals roll Brazil 88-76
9. Gold Medal Game: Opals cruise to their first world championship, beating Russia 91-74

Identity

The 2006 Opals embodied a philosophy of persistence, resilience, and national pride. Head Coach Jan Stirling emphasised the legacy of previous Opals teams and the responsibility that came with wearing the green and gold. This mindset fostered a team culture focused on making history and honouring those who came before them. Head Coach Jan Stirling remembers the impact of the win that shocked the basketball world. “It was a surreal moment that’s for sure, we certainly didn’t go in as favourites to win," Sterling said. "The gold medal was a culmination of 50 years of effort from the Opals teams before us and our focus on persistence and resilience was key to our win. We spoke a lot about the legacy of the Opals and the responsibility of playing in the green and gold and everything that it stands for. I can’t think of a more deserving Australian team to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and the fact that they are the first to do so, is, in my opinion fitting.” said Stirling.

Captain Lauren Jackson, standing on stage at the Australian Hall of Fame induction with her former teammates said: “I can’t think of a better team to be the first inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame. This group of incredible athletes pulled out something remarkable to win the gold and they are all so deserving to be honouring this way. To see them all here today is really emotional, I’m so proud to stand up here with them.”

Playing Style

The 2006 team showcased a versatile and aggressive playing style that combined strong interior presence with perimeter shooting. Led by the dominant inside-outside duo of Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor, the Opals employed a fast-paced offence that overwhelmed opponents. Their defensive tenacity and rebounding prowess were equally crucial to their success.

Club Culture

The Opals programme has long been known for its tight-knit, family-like atmosphere. The 2006 team exemplified this, with players forming strong bonds both on and off the court. This camaraderie translated into seamless on-court chemistry and a collective will to succeed that proved unbeatable.

Legacy & Impact

The 2006 World Championship victory marked the pinnacle of what many consider the golden era of Australian women's basketball. This period, spanning the late 1990s to the early 2010s, saw the Opals consistently medal in major international competitions, cementing their status as a global powerhouse. While the 2006 World Championship team stands out as the most accomplished, other tough Opals teams include the 2000 and 2004 Olympic silver medal-winning squads. These teams laid the foundation for the 2006 triumph and helped establish Australia as a perennial contender in women's basketball.

Key Figures

Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor were the undisputed stars of the 2006 team. Jackson, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women's basketball history, provided leadership and dominant two-way play. Taylor's tournament MVP performance was crucial to Australia's success. Coach Jan Stirling's tactical acumen and motivational skills were also instrumental in guiding the team to victory.

Five Fast Facts

1. The 2006 Opals are the first team to be inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame
2. Australia defeated Russia 91-74 in the gold medal game
3. Penny Taylor was named MVP of the 2006 World Championship
4. The victory marked Australia's first-ever basketball gold medal in a major international tournament
5. The team won all nine of their games in the tournament, including a forfeit victory over Lithuania

Opals Timeline

1984: Australian women's national basketball team officially established as the Opals

1994: Opals win their first medal (bronze) at the World Championship

2000: Team secures silver medal at Sydney Olympics

2006: Historic gold medal victory at the World Championship in Brazil

2024: 2006 World Championship team announced for induction into Australian Basketball Hall of Fame

Today

The induction of the 2006 World Championship team into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame marks a significant moment in the history of the Opals programme. This recognition not only honours the incredible achievements of that specific team but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Australian women's basketball on the global stage.

As the current generation of Opals continues to compete at the highest level, they draw inspiration from the trailblazing efforts of the 2006 squad. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony, attended by over 200 past and present Opals, demonstrates the strong sense of community and continuity within Australian women's basketball. It also sets a new standard for team excellence, challenging future Opals teams to strive for similar historic accomplishments.