PARIS (France) - Alanna Smith may have provided the standout display for the Opals as they overwhelmed Serbia in the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2204 to reach the Semi-Finals, but the forward paid tribute to her teammate Jade Melbourne.
The pair were the twin turbos that got it done, with Smith unstoppable in the frontcourt and recording a powerful and classy display that returned an eye-bulging 22 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
she has the potential to be one of of the greatest Australian players to play that spot - Smith
Smith looks to be on a mission right now and perhaps that is not a surprise. Having been overlooked by head coach Sandy Brondello for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 on home soil in Sydney, there's maybe been a point to prove.
The forward has not only made a point in the wins against France and Serbia, she has underlined it in a bright red pen - just in case anyone didn't notice.
While Smith went to work in the paint, it was Melbourne making Opals' history in the backcourt as she became the first Aussie baller to ever harvest more than 15 points and 5 assists in a knockout stage game at the Olympics.
She just loves playing the game so much. It's incredible and really cool - Smith
That's quite something when you think about the illustrious names, teams and accomplishments that have all went before - many long before Melbourne stepped out for her first ever major tournament.
"I keep saying to people, Jade's ceiling is so high," insisted Smith of her colleague. "She is still so young and she has the potential to be one of of the greatest Australian players to play that spot and it is really exciting. "Just the way she is now performing, I mean she had a rough start like we all did, but, she's responded so well. It's just so nice to play alongside Jade - someone who has so much heart and love for the game."
"Sometimes you look at her and she's been beaten down and there she is lying on the ground, still smiling. She just loves playing the game so much. It's incredible and really cool to have that on your team."
She continued: "That point guard spot is open now and for the taking. She's grabbed it with two hands and run off with it. That's also part of who she is - just a kid who loves basketball. "She gives off such good energy and I absolutely love playing with her." As for Melbourne herself, she's just relieved to have bounced back in a tremendous way after a shaky start when the team faltered against Nigeria.
International basketball is a whole different level - the physicality and the speed of the game is huge. - Melbourne
The only way is up now after posting what surely has to be her best ever show in an Opals' jersey?
"Yeah probably," smiled the guard. "For us, we knew we were going to get better as the tournament progressed. We only had a short preparation together. We knew our culture and our system was strong and we would improve with every game. We didn't start the tournament the way we wanted to.
"Personally I needed to handle the pressure a lot better. International basketball is a whole different level - the physicality and the speed of the game is huge.
"So I didn't start off the way that I would have liked to, but my teammates continue to instill confidence and belief into me and I feel I can progress and we can get to the gold medal match," concluded Melbourne.
Australia will play Nigeria or USA in Friday's Semi-Finals.
FIBA