Brondello LA-ing ground work for Olympics

• Cayla George leads 12-player Opals squad with Olympic experience for Asia Cup in Shenzhen
• Alex Wilson earns first Opals tournament selection after impressive 3x3 Gangurrus and WNBL performances
• Team aims to improve on bronze medal finish from 2023 as they prepare for 2026 World Cup qualification

Sandy Brondello has her sights firmly set on the Australian Opals qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and that has determined the 12-player national women's team selected for the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup in July.

"Naming any team is always hard, especially with some of our core players away, but it shows the depth of talent we have," head coach Sandy Brondello said.

"We took into account the camp we had earlier this year in Melbourne, as well as the Trans-Tasman Throwdown, and a few players really stood out.

"Some players who weren't available for TTT have come back into the mix, and with a few injuries, we've had to evaluate the big picture — not just for Asia Cup, but to make sure we qualify next year and keep building towards LA28."

Australia's WNBA stars — Steph Talbot, Sami Whitcomb, Jade Melbourne, Ezi Magbegor, Bec Allen and Alanna Smith — are all unavailable as the tournament is right in the middle of the WNBA season.

Paris Olympian Cayla George will lead the world number two ranked Opals along with fellow Olympians Isobel Borlase and Alex Wilson.

For Wilson, this selection marks her Opals tournament debut after stellar performances with the 3x3 Gangurrus and a standout WNBL25 season with the Perth Lynx.

The guard duo of Steph Reid and Maddy Rocci, who impressed during the Trans-Tasman series where Australia swept New Zealand, return for the Asia Cup.

Reid, who captained the Opals during the May series, developed strong chemistry with the dynamic Rocci.

Sara Blicavs makes her return to FIBA tournament action following a successful comeback in the Trans-Tasman Throwdown.

The squad also features versatile forwards Zitina Aokuso and 2025 Spanish League MVP Chloe Bibby.

Several rising stars have earned their place, with Isabelle Bourne receiving her first Opals call-up. She'll be joined by Alex Fowler, Miela Sowah, and Courtney Woods, all of whom impressed during the Trans-Tasman series.

The Opals will begin their Asia Cup campaign in Group B, facing the Philippines on Sunday July, 13 Lebanon on Monday July 14, and Japan on Tuesday July 15.

"There's a lot of different styles we'll face, Japan is very small and fast, and they shoot a lot of threes, so we've got to be versatile in how we defend them," Brondello said.

"We've got to play Opals-style basketball and be the aggressor at both ends."

With Brondello fulfilling her WNBA commitments with the New York Liberty, Paul Goriss will continue in the role of associate head coach after successfully leading the team during the Trans-Tasman Throwdown.

"Goz (Paul Goriss) has been with me for so many years — even though our offensive styles are a little different, defensively we're on the same page," Brondello added.

"We've got really great coaches with Goz, Shannon Seebohm, Kristi Harrower and Cheryl Chambers, there's a wealth of experience there, and I'm really excited for them to lead the team at Asia Cup."

The Asia Cup represents a crucial step in Australia's journey toward the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

The top six teams from the tournament will automatically secure their place in the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in March next year.

Since joining the Asia Cup division in 2017, the Opals have medalled in all four tournaments, securing silver in their debut appearance before earning bronze in the following three events. They've consistently been among the top teams in the region, regularly contending with powerhouses China and Japan.

The coaching staff's blend of experience and fresh perspectives positions the Opals well for the upcoming tournament. With a roster that combines established veterans and promising newcomers, Australia looks poised to challenge for gold in Shenzhen while building toward future international competitions.

Opals Team | FIBA Asia Cup 2025

• Zitina Aokuso
• Chloe Bibby
• Sara Blicavs
• Isobel Borlase
• Isabelle Bourne
• Alex Fowler
• Cayla George
• Steph Reid
• Maddy Rocci
• Miela Sowah
• Alex Wilson
• Courtney Woods

The 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup will be held in Shenzhen, China from July 13-20, 2025.