Opals team announced for Mitsui Fudosan Cup in Japan

A 12-player Australian team, selected from the Olympic squad of 26, will play Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Japan in the Mitsui Fudosan Cup on June 20 and June 21 at Hokkaido Sports Center, Sapporo. 

Cayla George, Darcee Garbin, Lauren Nicholson, Alice Kunek, Maddison Rocci, Isobel Borlase and Stephanie Reid who were recently part of a 2-1 series win over China, will again represent Australia. 

Dual Olympian Marianna Tolo headlines five inclusions including Shyla Heal, Keely Froling, Lauren Scherf and Amy Atwell who will participate in their first tour of the Opals Olympic lead-up. 

Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello said international tours provided great opportunities for players to be rotated through touring teams and see valuable court time. 

“The recent China series was fantastic preparation for our team and to come away with two wins is a confidence boost. We always stress the importance of international game time and Japan will give the players and coaches an opportunity to continue to build for Paris.” 

Cheryl Chambers will lead the Opals in the absence of Brondello, who is currently coaching New York Liberty in the 2024 WNBA season and be assisted by Shannon Seebohm. 

Seven members of the Opals squad are currently playing in the WNBA:  Sami Whitcomb, Ezi Magbegor, Rebecca Allen, Alanna Smith, Kristy Wallace, Steph Talbot and Jade Melbourne. 

The pair of Japan friendlies will not be televised but box scores and updates will be available via Basketball Australia’s social media channels and website. 

MITSUI FUDOSAN CUP 2024  
  
Opals vs Japan  
20 June | 8:00pm (AEST) 
21 June | 8:00pm (AEST) 

Hokkaido Sports Center, Sapporo, Hokkaido  
Japan