Former Wyndham basketballer Maddy Rocci will get her chance to represent her country on home soil at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, which tips off in Sydney on Monday.
Basketball Australia named a 12-player team for the championships, with a mixture of experience and new faces.
World Cup bronze medallists Tess Madgen, Darcee Garbin and Anneli Maley headline the 12-player team which also features players who have reached the podium at Asia Cup competition including Alice Kunek (silver, 2017) and 2021 bronze medallists Keely Froling, Lauren Nicholson and Lauren Scherf.
Rocci gets her opportunity on the back of strong WNBL form.
Rocci was selected in the Opals squad for the last Asia Cup in 2021, but didn’t make her senior national debut due to injury.
She made then made her Opals debut in February last year at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament.
Victorian duo Chloe Bibby and Chantel Horvat and Western Australia’s Amy Atwell will make their Opals debut in front of family and friends at the tournament which runs from June 26 to July 2 at the Quaycentre.
Shyla Heal also returns to the side.
Marianna Tolo (foot) and Steph Reid (calf) weren’t named after being sidelined, while Nyadiew Puoch and Isobel Borlase are preparing for the FIBA Women’s under-19 World Cup in Spain next month.
Players currently in America playing in the WNBA couldn’t be considered for the side.
Shannon Seebohm takes the reins as head coach for the first time while Sandy Brondello leads New York Liberty in the WNBA.
“It’s always a big moment in basketball when an Opals team comes together and I’m excited to see what this group can achieve on the court,” he said.
“We’ve got a good mix of players with the experience of Tess, Darcee and Anneli, while it’s very exciting for Chloe, Chantel and Amy who make their Opals debut.
“Between both international and domestic basketball calendars, schedules do become very busy, so we did face challenges with player availability as well as those trying to recover from injuries.
“The positive is that this gives opportunities to other players, like our debutants, who have the chance to gain valuable experience against international players and represent Australia, which is a special moment for any professional athlete.”
