Opals Preview for the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup
The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup will tip off this weekend, with the Australian Seven Consulting Opals ready to go beyond bronze in this year’s tournament from July 13-20th.
The Opals claimed bronze in the last Asia Cup hosted in Sydney back in 2023. In 2025, they’ll be heading over to China to face the last tournament’s Champions on their home soil.
The team is filled with WNBL talents, headlined by Sara Blicavs making her fabled return to the green and gold after spinal fusion and disc replacement during 2024.
While the Townsville Fire’s and reigning Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year, Abbey Ellis, was a late addition to the team, replacing an injured Maddy Rocci before the tournament.
In addition, Southside’s Isabelle Bourne will make her Opals debut, having her jersey presented by national team hero Tess Madgen.
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With 10 of the 12 players on the Opals squad contracted for WNBL26, the team heading to China will be our best talents outside of the WNBA on display – taking on the likes of China, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and Indonesia.
With Sandy Brondello coaching in the WNBA, UC Capitals Head Coach Paul Goriss will take the reins during the Asia Cup. Brondello explained how the core of WNBL coaches will help lead Australia to the podium.
“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,” she said.
“We’ve got really great coaches with Goz, (Townsville’s) Shannon Seebohm, (Southside’s) Kristi Harrower and Cheryl Chambers, there’s a wealth of experience there, and I’m really excited for them to lead the team at the Asia Cup.”
While for the Tall Ferns, Adelaide Lightning’s Head Coach Kerryn Mitchell, Ashlee Strawbridge and Ella Tofaeono will represent New Zealand in the Asia Cup.
The entire tournament will be streamed via ESPN/Kayo Sports and FIBA Courtside 1891.
See the full fixture for Australia in Pool B below:
Australia vs Philippines, July 13 6:30pm (AEST)
Australia vs Lebanon, July 14 6:30pm (AEST)
Australia vs Japan, July 15 6:30pm (AEST)
See the full Opals squad below:
Zitina Aokuso – UC Capitals
Chloe Bibby
Sara Blicavs – UC Capitals
Isobel Borlase – Bendigo Spirit
Isabelle Bourne – Southside Flyers
Alex Fowler – Townsville Fire
Cayla George – Southside Flyers
Steph Reid
Abbey Ellis – Townsville Fire
Miela Sowah – Townsville Fire
Alex Wilson – Perth Lynx
Courtney Woods – Townsville Fire