The Australian Opals have been struck by lightning, naming Nicole Seekamp and Stephanie Blicavs in the squad that will attend the selection camp for the upcoming 2018 FIBA World Cup.
Adelaide Lightning coach Chris Lucas has also been recognised, named as assistant coach of the Opals, alongside Cheryl Chambers and Paul Goriss.
"I'm excited and looking forward to working with Sandy (Brondello) and helping the program as much as I can to get a great result for the Opals," Lucas said.
The squad will be reduced to just 12, following the results of a week-long selection camp that starts on 10 August at Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport. Only athletes that are currently in Australia are required to attend the camp.
With the squad boasting WNBA stars, Liz Cambage, Leilani Mitchell, Sami Whitcomb, Cayla George, Stephanie Talbot and Rebecca Allen, Lucas is predicting the training camp will be intense.
"With six girls from the WNBA named in the squad, it's going to be very competitive camp and tough to make the team," he said.
The selected athletes will travel to Spain for the FIBA Women's World Cup, which will run from the 22-30 September 2018.
The Opals are in hot-form having recently returned from the Four Nations Tournament in China, where they finished with an impressive 5-1 record.
Australian Opals World Cup Squad
Tessa LaveyJayco Dandenong RangersLauren MansfieldPerth LynxJenna O'HeaDeakin Melbourne BoomersKatie-Rae EbzeryPerth LynxStephanie BlicavsAdelaide LightningDarcee GarbinJCU Townsville FireCayla GeorgeDeakin Melbourne Boomers / Dallas WingsAlice KunekTarbes Gespe BigorreKelsey GriffinUniversity of Canberra Capitals
(subject to injury clearance)
Alanna SmithStanford UniversityTahlia TupaeaBrydens Sydney Uni FlamesNicole SeekampAdelaide LightningEzi MagbegorDeakin Melbourne BoomersStephanie TalbotDeakin Melbourne BoomersTess MadgenJCU Townsville FireRebecca AllenNew York LibertySami WhitcombSeattle StormLeilani MitchellUniversity of Canberra Capitals / Phoenix MercuryLiz CambageDallas WingsAlex BuntonBrydens Sydney Uni FlamesCoaching StaffSandy Brondello (Head Coach)Phoenix MerceryCheryl Chambers (Assistant Coach)Brydens Sydney Uni FlamesPaul Goriss (Assistant Coach)University of Canberra CapitalsChris Lucas (Assistant Coach)Adelaide Lightning
