Golden Birthday: Alex Fowler shines as Opals win historic Asia Cup title
In what will be a memorable birthday celebration, the Townsville Fire’s Alex Fowler will celebrate her 24th birthday the day after winning the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and multiple individual awards.
The Seven Consulting Australian Opals conquered long-time rivals Japan in the final game Asia Cup, taking home their first gold medal finish in tournament history.
Fowler was Australia’s most consistent player throughout the event, starting every game and averaging 11.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in their undefeated run.
Her impact in the Final was outstanding, setting the physical tone early and giving Australia a stabilising force when Japan secured the lead late in the fourth. She finished the game with 15 points and six rebounds, being named the Player of the Game as a result.
Related: Australian Opals win first gold medal in FIBA Women’s Asia Cup history
After the game, Fowler was named to the tournament All-Star Five and was awarded the MVP of the Asia Cup.
“It’s so fun to be out on the stage and play in front of a crowd wearing the Australian jersey,” Fowler said post-game.
“We had an amazing group of girls come together and I couldn’t be more proud of the group, and the coaching staff, and all the people that put in all the time and effort behind the scenes. It’s been so much fun this whole tournament.”
Opals Associate Head Coach Paul Goriss spoke glowingly of Fowler’s impact on and off the court after the confetti had settled.
“What sets Alex apart is, number one, her humility. She’s always there to do, number one, the right thing by the team, and she just takes that team-first approach,” the UC Capitals Head Coach said.
“I’ve had the pleasure of coaching her one year back in WNBL, but also to have her here with the Opals. She’s so versatile at both ends of the floor — she can defend a number of people out on the floor, she can play in the positional style that the Opals want to play.
“Her work ethic is second to none and she’ll just do whatever it takes. I think that, credit to her, because the MVP was truly hers. I think that she was one of the most, if not the most, efficient players in this tournament on both ends of the floor.
“When we needed a basket, if we needed a rebound, if we needed somebody to get a stop, she was always there. She’s always dependable and reliable. But just being so humble, I think really sets her apart — that she just is a great teammate.”
The 10 WNBL players will return from China this week ahead of the WNBL26 season, starting on October 18th.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest signings via the WNBL Roster Tracker here.