The Australian Opals have finished on the podium for a third straight time at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
Coming up against Korea in the Bronze Medal match, the Opals secured the 30-point win and the silverware, with 11 of the 12 in the squad coming from NBL1 roots.
Frankston’s Darcee Garbin, Launceston’s Keely Froling and Kilsyth’s Lauren Scherf were among the standouts of the NBL1 crop, coming in second, third and fourth for average points scored by an Australian during the tournament.
Willetton’s Alex Sharp continued her momentum from winning a championship and Most Valuable Player award in the NBL1 West with a strong showing in Australian colours, while youngsters Jade Melbourne (former Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence) and Abigail Wehrung (Bendigo Braves) also showed confidence with the ball in hand after coming into the tournament as reserve players.
Melbourne’s Kristy Wallace made her long-awaited return to the international stage after several injuries while Tigers teammate Zitina Aokuso was a menace on the boards.
After overcoming cancer, a WNBA and Olympics roster cut, Northside’s Tiana Mangakahia continued her journey back to the top with a solid tournament.
Rounding out the NBL1 faces were Lauren Nicholson (former Kilsyth) and Jazmin Shelley (former Geelong), with Nicholson particularly shining from beyond the arc.