Australia names 6 Women's World Cup 2018 silver medalists to avenge Asia Cup loss in India

SYDNEY (Australia) - The Opals have finalized the cuts to their roster that will be on the hunt for revenge at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2019 Division A. The lineup is loaded from top to bottom with firepower, prepared for the tilt which will be held in Bengaluru, India from September 24-29. 

Returning from the Women’s Asia Cup 2017 silver medal team are Katie Ebzery and Sara Blicavs, both of who were among the top 3 in minutes played. The two were major parts of the run to the championship game two years ago and will be motivated to return to that stage again this year to achieve a different outcome.

(Sara Blicavs, FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017)

The newcomers that will be making their Asia Cup debut will not only be providing top-notch talent, but valuable experience to the squad as well. Half of the team that won the silver medal at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain will be in Bengaluru. Most notable of the group are Steph Talbot, Bec Allen, Cayla George, and the aforementioned Ebzery, who all logged major minutes for the World Cup runners-up.

Six players on the roster also boast WNBA experience on their resumés, highlighted by veteran Leilani Mitchell who was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2010. The Washington native who starred in the NCAA also played a part at the World Cup team in 2014.

(Leilani Mitchell, FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2014)

Australia are also bringing along one of their brightest young talents in 20-year-old Ezi Magbegor. The youngster was also one of the 6 from the 2018 World cup squad, making her debut as only a teenager. Now she’s set to make an Asia Cup debut as well, which should come as no surprise from the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2016 MVP.

(Ezi Magbegor, FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2016)

After a heartbreaking ending to the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017, the Opals have assembled a formidable roster on a mission to avenge their loss. Whether they will be able to go through to achieve that is to be seen in Bengaluru later this month.

FIBA