Right as the various seasons are starting / about to start, seems like the most pointless time of the year to try to make team selections for a tournament that is 4 months away

Does wnbl or euro form count?
That has not been the case for some time.

Of course it counts. Not so much European which is understandable, but squads are routinely adjusted based on domestic form. And if an established player is going to be unavailable for whatever reason (eg. there's a reasonable chance Talbot will not be 100% by Feb) then WNBL form would certainly factor into the choice of replacement.
As a recent example, Chloe Bibby's WNBL form got her added to the squad and then selected in the final 12 for the Asia Cup earlier this year.

BTW it would be handy if you would tag these threads either 'International' or 'Women' when you create them. It makes them much easier to find later on to keep the discussion in the one thread.

I have to disagree, how did Madgen get in the team when she did not play all year?
Why is Kunek (who was euro based) now the preferred option over the other 3 wnbl wings.
Ultimately it is sandys decision, we have seen smith cut for Garbin. Form and youth are not high on the list under her reign. We saw Mitchell form and minutes drop off an cliff and yet still pushed inform Whitcomb out for 4-5 years. We see Jackson back in who cannot stay healthy for more than a few games.
Form typically gets you a camp spot but never in the final 12.

You asked if WNBL/Euro it counts, and it does count. You never asked whether it was the ONLY factor, which clearly it isn't.

I already gave the example of Bibby. If it wasn't WNBL form that got her in then what did exactly? Given that she was not in the squad, then played an outstanding WNBL season, and then was in the team - in the final 12.

And then you go off track and change the goalposts.
Madgen is the captain and was injured for most of the season but healthy for the tournament, so she kept her spot. Risky, but in hindsight a good call given she was one of our better players and appears to be very highly regarded as a leader.

The cutting of Smith was justified IMO. Her form had been really disappointing. In the past 12 months she has turned it right around so I would hope and expect her to be included again. She deserves it. Time will tell on that one.

Mitchell/Whitcomb was always a positional decision between 2 players we were only allowed to select one of. On form they were both no-brainer selections.

And youth is a whole other discussion. I'm all for getting more youth into the program. The Opals selectors have always been conservative in that regard, regardless of who was in charge. That's not a Sandy thing that is an everybody thing. And I totally get why. But I wish they'd give more youth a chance, especially at the qualifiers level.
I guess it's a risk for us to even do that now since qualifying is not the formality it used to be for the Opals.

Mitchell and Whitcomb a positional decision?
It wasn't, they both play pg for the opals, apart from 2018 when Sami came off the bench as a sg. This is when Ebzery was the starting pg.

Whitcomb was in better form prior too for 5 of the last 7 majors(Asia/WC/Olympics) but Mitchell still got the nod.

Yes, it was absolutely a positional decision, despite your attempts to rewrite history.

Here is one of your own lists from that era

PG
85 Mitchell 5'5
89 Mansfield 5'7
93 Lavey 5'8
90 Ebzery 5'10 cg
96 Wallace 5'11 cg (injured)

SG
97 Tupaea 5'9 cg
92 Seekamp 5'10 cg
88 Whitcomb 5'10
92 Cole 5'10
90 Blicavs 5'10
90 Madgen 5'11 cg
94 Wilson 5'11 (injured)

SF
93 Nicholson 6'0
86 Ohea 6'1
94 Talbot 6'2
92 Allen 6'2
93 Blicavs 6'2

PF
94 Garbin 6'2
87 Griffin 6'2
88 Bishop 6'4
96 Smith 6'4
99 Magbegor 6'4
89 George 6'4

C
96 Scherf 6'5
93 Bunton 6'5 (injured)
89 Tolo 6'5
91 Cambage 6'8

Noticed you forgot to mention the date of post...

Mitchell was a better point guard than Whitcomb till the last couple of years. Our point guard depth was not very good in the time Mitchell was playing for the Opals. I know Weedy doesn't like Mitchell for *reasons*, but I don't think we need to re-litigate this AGAIN.

I think we have the toughest group? Brazil is the most team likely to miss out on qualification, but playing them at home will be no easy task for the other three teams in the group.

I thought it was a little odd both African teams ended up in the same group, but it does guarantee there will be somebody from Africa at the Olympics which I think is a good thing.

I was not against Mitchell, she was great prior to the Spain WC. I thought Ebzery should have played more pg earlier on in her opals career, Mansfield who was to be the backup pg was always injured and I think they did Lavey dirty who hardly ever got minutes. Madgen somehow became the third option pg and Seekamp was given an opportunity also in lesser tournaments and friendlies. Whitcomb only because of Mitchells injury made the 2018 WC. Mansfield was never seen again... whitcomb at this stage was by far the better performer for club n country and in 2019 she was given more opportunity at the 1 in the wnba but Mitchell was still the preferred option for another 3 years even making tokyo 2021. Lavey left the program after. Wallace and Madgen became the backup pg options. Mitchell left late 2021 to have a family. Whitcomb called back in late 2021 for asia cup and then 2022 WC. Rocci/Heal/Reid/Mangakahia getting a shot in the last 2 years. Mangakahia now retired.
Whitcomb, Wallace, Madgen, Rocci, Heal, Reid the current options.

Germany would be the weakest team without the Sabally sisters.
Brazil are flying currently after winning 2023 Americas undefeated.
Serbia always tough.

Americas 2 < Puerto Rico go through
China
NZ
France*

Senegal
USA*
Belgium
Nigeria

Brazil
Germany
Serbia
Australia

Spain
Hungary
Americas 1 < Canada go through
Japan




Eurobasket qualifiers going on, currently
Serbia are 2/0
Germany are 1/1, lost to Italy



Thoughts on Opals roster, team camp announcement not far away.
8-11 Feb tournament begins.


Who's IN / OUT ?
Stock UP / DOWN ?

Have not seen Talbot, Wallace, Madgen or Swain yet.
Jackson not playing very well atm...

Aussie players carrying good form in Europe:

- Alanna Smith
- Chloe Bibby
- Marena Whittle
- Marianna Tolo
- Ezi Magbegor
- Shyla Heal
- Lauren Scherf
- Darcee Garbin
- Bec Allen

Almost an Opals team right there on its own! Also goes to show how much Aussie top-level talent is playing overseas in Europe rather than the WNBL this season.

You would think Maley would be one of the first chosen.

Tbf the Eurocup is a bit mixed. Whittle and maybe even Bibby are outsiders you would think. The rest will be in camp surely... although I can't see Scherf making the final squad.
Smith not making the team again would be insane.


With the Sandy hat on , assume…


1 of Melbourne, Heal, Rocci or Reid PG (Probably Heal or Melbourne)
Whitcomb CG
Wallace CG
Madgen CG - captain
Talbot SF/SG(injured still?)
Allen SF
2 of Kunek SF, Maley CF, Blicavs CF, Garbin PF
Smith PF/C
Magbegor PF/C
George C/PF
Tolo C

wouldn’t put it past sandy selecting Jackson though.

I would not have Madgen personally and Maley hasn't been great at international level, dominates in wnbl though... she was given next to no time last tournament, probably a slim chance. Kunek has been solid for the opals since returning but we already have a few wings.

Maley has been superb at the international level in all forms. She was terrific at the would cup and asia cup and in China. one of the consistent, stand out performers at the National level.

every time she gets court time she provides a + to the team.

You must be thinking of someone else, she averaged 5 mins and half a point and 1 rbd at the WC.

And at the asia cup only 6 pts, 7 rbds. Less than half her wnbl stats...

No - while she only played 5 mins total at that tournament, as I mentioned, she was terrific when she was on the court. Had more exposure at the Asia Cup and was also outstanding and in China.

At the PG spot - will be an interesting selection. I agree, probably one of Heal or Melbourne.

I think Talbot will be fine for the Olympics, but maybe not any touranments before that.

Big fan of Maley but she didn't do squat at the WC and the China tournament was a mix of
China B/C team, with only 2 from team A.

Been great in 3x3, not so much 5x5 internationally.

Melbourne
Wallace
Whitcomb
Borlase (better prospect than the tiny guards imo)
Talbot
Allen
Kunek
Smith
Garbin
Magbegor
George
Tolo

Next in (injury replacements) Blicavs, Madgen, Rocci

5 bigs necessary do you think? Allen also plays 4 on occasion.

Good point but she predominantly plays as a wing with the Opals.
I think Sandy will select Madgen though for leadership, and probably at the expense of a Garbin.

If we are even considering Madgin, we must be so far off the top level of international hoops. And she still not even playing so surely can't even be considered

Madgen is not even back playing yet, and therefore should not be considered for this upcoming event.

But she's the captain...
On the last thread, most wanted Madgen to remain.
What’s the go?

Agree that Borlase should be in this team. She is pro-ready and has a lot of upside!

Borlase certainly making a case...

Blues67 team looks to be spot on atm.


Important to note that Germany, Serbia and Brazil are very big teams.
Interesting to see if some players can get out of college for the qualifiers.

2 months out.
Selection list out today or next few days.


Still a few injuries...


Reid
Amoore?
Heal
Rocci
Melbourne
Whitcomb
Swain?
Wallace
Garrick?
Madgen
Borlase?
Nicholson
Atwell
Kunek
Maley
Talbot
Sharp?
Allen
Bibby?
Horvat?
Froling?
Blicavs
Garbin
Smith
Magbegor
George
Aokuso?
Tolo
Jackson?

*Deserve a spot?

Bumping this thread with the qualifying tournament now less than 4 weeks away


8 Feb - Brazil v Australia
10 Feb - Australia v Germany
11 Feb - Serbia v Australia


--

Place ya bets..
Is brondello going to cut Madgen, Jackson, both or none?

Does Melbourne make it?

Do injured Talbot and [Wallace] make opals?

For reference, the squad atm:

Stephanie Reid
Maddison Rocci
Shyla Heal
Jade Melbourne
Sami Whitcomb #
Kristy Wallace #
Tess Madgen #
Stephanie Talbot #
Alice Kunek
Isobel Borlase
Rebecca Allen #
Anneli Maley #
Sara Blicavs #
Alanna Smith
Darcee Garbin #
Ezi Magbegor #
Lauren Jackson #
Cayla George #
Zitina Aokuso
Marianna Tolo #


# = member of the 2022 world cup team

Reid (Rocci-reserve)
Heal
Melbourne
Whitcomb
Wallace (Borlase-reserve)
Talbot (Kunek/Blicavs-reserve)
Allen
Kunek or Blicavs(either)
Smith (Garbin/Maley-reserve)
Magbegor
George
Tolo (Jackson-reserve)

^ for Brazil?

For both...

Roster tracker

https://www.fiba.basketball/oqtwomen/hungary/2024/news/roster-tracker-2024-fiba-women-s-olympic-qualifying-tournaments

Jackson is in the 12 for Brazil .

More than likely.

Based on form, Smith replacing Garbin would be the most likely change from the world cup squad in the front court.

(Based on Sandy's personal preferences, I'm less certain that change will eventuate)

Brondellos favourites below...
Chambers favours Rocci
Seebohm favours Reid

12
Heal PG
Whitcomb PG/SG
Wallace PG
Madgen PG/SG
Talbot SG
Allen SF
Blicavs SF/PF
Garbin PF
Magbegor PF/C
George PF/C
Tolo C
Jackson C


Think it would be unfair on Melbourne and Smith if they miss out.
Melbourne > Madgen
Smith > Garbin

Jackson likely to play 12th man minutes again, especially against the bigs of Brazil, both 6'6-6’7.
Germany and Serbia also big teams with the Saballys, Guelich etc and for Serbia stankovic and co.
Think Germany have a squad of 6-7 players 6’3-6’5.

maybe before Friday night she wasn't in, but a 28 point performance will get you another look!!

Should it?, Sharp and Atwell have been pretty consistant and can't even get an invite. Not even a chance to go up against the A team...

no disrespect to Sharp or Atwell, but they aren't commonly referred to as 'the GOAT'

Despite being the goat, she has been crapola over 2 years and injured about 50% of the time. This is the Third time she has quit and been welcomed back. Must be infuriating for someone like Smith who has been very good in europe and wnba over 2 years.
Jackson can do a job though for the opals, she'll be both good and bad. Personally I don’t think the C position an issue.

Seven Consulting Opals Team

Rebecca Allen - VIC

Sara Blicavs - VIC

Isobel Borlase

Cayla George

Lauren Jackson

Tess Madgen

Ezi Magbegor - VIC

Jade Melbourne - VIC

Stephanie Reid - VIC

Alanna Smith - VIC

Marianna Tolo

Samantha Whitcomb

Assistant Coaches: Cheryl Chambers, Paul Goriss, Shannon Seebohm

Game Schedule

Brazil v Australia Thursday 8 February

Australia v Germany Saturday 10 February

Serbia v Australia Sunday 11 February

lol, never in doubt.

Whitcomb - Melbourne - Reid
Madgen - Borlase
Allen - Blicavs
Magbegor - Smith
Tolo - George - Jackson


Who plays 1 and who plays 2 (Whitcomb/Madgen), not sure what sandy will do...

What an absolute disgrace this selection process....

Why are we selecting injured players that haven't even been playing for the team?

'Steph Talbot, Kristy Wallace, Darcee Garbin and Alice Kunek were unavailable for selection.'

CUT

Heal
Rocci
Maley
Aokuso

More or less as I expected - although I didn't think they would add Reid.
Glad that they did. She has earned it, and is a good "steady" option to run the point when needed, in contrast with the looser style of Whitcomb & Melbourne.

Also glad to see Smith's form rewarded with a spot.

R we going to make the Olympics Luuuc?

Wish I could confidently answer yes to that!!

What preparation does this team have? Any games? Is there even a camp??

Would have liked another 2/3. Bilcavs can sometimes struggle on D with fast international swing men. Relying a lot on Allen and an only recently fit Madgen

Yeah that wing area is clearly a concern with Talbot & Kunek out.
Hope Allen has been staying fit since returning from Europe because we're going to need a lot of minutes from her.

Hopefully it results in some opportunities for Borlase and she is able to make the most of them.

Be interesting to see swain this week, a very good SG, probably our best prospect in that position.

My bad, wrong thread.

Didn't LJ retire after the WC again? She's the GOAT and that Bronze game was fantastic but these comebacks *now* don't help the Opals imo. Especially if we're carrying Magden's injury/form.

Glad Reid, Melbourne and Smith made it. Wondering what happened to Garbin to not even make extended squad - is she still playing in Europe?

I feel a bit for Aokuso. She's had a great year but they’ve opted for an aging GOAT.

I like Madgen as a person but how in the hell did she make the squad?, 2 SGs better than her in her team - Swain and Nicholson. Maley, Sharp, Atwell and Bibby would have been better options too, all healthy...

For Quokka

Madgen, Blicavs & Jackson are extremely lucky to be selected & have been selected by their reputations rather than solid & consistent form. There is a bit of Dad's Army about this Opal Team with some very seasoned players selected once again, at some point we need to rejuvenate, get younger & more athletic if we want to get back to our glory days of Opal Teams.

Garbin is injured right now I believe

BA and the WNBL to a lesser extent have got themselves into a mess with Jackson. The whole World Cup thing was great and made everyone not talk about the Cabbage debacle and focus on Jackson instead. The ending was great and that should have been it , done with the Opals , younger and i dare say a lot better players were waiting in the wings - A Smith , Scherf ete etc.

The WNBL didnt get its fairytale finish but again the big send off in Melbourne should have been more than enough and Townsville didnt read the script in the Final Series and beat Southside.

Jackson named in the 20 person squad , how , her form in the WNBL up to that point has been terrible , shooting less that 10% 3pt , her defence is a liability to her team , every player in the WNBL now knows that she cannot move at any pace in any direction . If she is going to play 11 or 12 on the National team what's the point.

But the whole focus again will be Jackson , blah blah same old same old .

I have the greatest respect for Jackson I can remember her at her best and that's how i would like to remember her , now is not even close .

She still has a lot to give and BA and the WNBL can leverage off that ( think Andrew Gaze) . But her being in the National Team is a sign that things are really due for a big change , maybe we will see after the Olympics when i hope the line is drawn and the whole program looks to the future .

hear hear Cosmo, new era for both the Opals and Boomers after Paris, staff & players alike

Thanks Luuuc, not great numbers for Garbin atm.


I guess with Jackson getting player of the round last week it was all a concerted push timing wise by BA to justify her selection.

A few more just because

Team was picked before laurens game, she was going inform or not.

Bumping this thread because I can now see in the TV guide ...

Fri 9/2: 9:50am AEDT / 6:50am WST - Opals vs Brazil

Sun 11/2: 6:50am AEDT / 3:50am WST - Opals vs Germany

Mon 12/2: 6:50am AEDT / 3:50am WST - Opals vs Serbia

All Live on ESPN

---

Tournament Website

Interesting, Luuuc, because my Foxtel listing for ESPN or ESpN2 isn't showing tomorrow’s game at all.

@hoopie- Tomorrow is the 2nd of Feb, not the 9th.

Cancel that - my mistake

Engage brain FULLY before engaging fingers, LOL

The rosters are out for the other teams, hopefully we can qualify.


Minutes breakdown?

Melbourne(25m) - Reid(15m)
Whitcomb(20m) - Borlase(10m) - Madgen(10m)
Allen(25m) - Blicavs(15m)
Magbegor(25m) - Smith(15m)
Tolo(15m) - George(15m) - Jackson(10m)


If Borlase is out, I'm bringing Talbot in...

Not exactly Opals related... but close enough to home (across the ditch)

The NZ tall ferns can't catch a break first losing Mary Goulding (car accident), Penina Davidson (injury) and now Charlesse Leger-Walker (injury - ACL). All 3 of those are probably starters for them. Severely depleted team up against China, France and Puerto Rico.

Looks like Puerto Rico women are going to the Olympics, again somehow. They’re lucky to even make the OQ Tournament - replacing Russia who were removed by FIBA.

Yeah, that sucks for NZ. Makes it very tough now.


"Original" team:
Stella Beck (captain)
McKenna Dale
Tayla Dalton
Lauryn Hippolite
Charlisse Leger-Walker
Esra McGoldrick
Tera Reed
Zoe Richards
Sharne Robati
Ritorya Tamilo
Amy West
Lauren Whittaker


Who comes in for CL-W?

They are bringing in young Hokianga, one for the future.

Molloys fault for sure, he sticks with the same players. Plenty of kiwis around that could help now.

Who do people think will start for the Opals? Will Melbourne start and Reid come off the bench both as the PG's?

Lots of talls in the squad to combat the opposition teams - will most likely share the minutes between the bigs?

I can't see Borlase playing huge minutes as the youngest member of the team.

I can't see Sandy having the confidence in a newbie like Jade to start her

With Sandy, probably...

Whitcomb
Madgen
Allen
Magbegor
Tolo

^ agreed

Not really a good match up, Brazil are pretty beefy in the post with dantas and 1 of the Soares followed by Souza and the other Soares. The new guards are quite aggressive, Sami and Tess will struggle on D.


I'd be going

Melbourne
Whitcomb
Allen
Magbegor
Tolo

If Talbot was in...

A lil more exp to start the tournament against a hostile crowd.

Whitcomb
Talbot
Allen
Magbegor
Tolo

Opals-Brazil Boxscore: Link

Big starting 5! Whitcomb, Allen, Smith, Magbegor, Tolo

Putting Brazil under the doona atm.

Eeek.
Only watching via the stats ... our sizeable lead evaporated in a hurry in the back end of the 3rd quarter.

It's squeaky bum time.

Phew!

This is not even basketball. What a joke FIBA are
Women's basketball has no skill. It's UFC out there.

A 5-1 "run" (if you can call it that) in the final two minutes seals the win.

Cmon Sandy, believe in youth!

Credit to the Opals for winning, but ... I felt that in the last few minutes Brazil screwed up enough to give us the win. The game was too close for too long.

Sandy has absolutely no faith in Youth & will go to her grave picking players on reputation rather than form, Blicavs & Madgen have had subpar form in the WNBL & it came as no real surprise that they both offered very little value today.

Interesting that Japan beat Spain by 11 and USA only beat Belgium by 2

Yep agree
Thought Whitcomb did ok, didn't gas out at 3/4 time, shots didn’t fall though.
Reid had some troubles but managed.
Smith at the 3 is a bit wacky.
Magbegor and Allen were solid, both played great.
Tolo strong in the post against the bigs, made it difficult.
Melbourne + Borlase pretty much no shows, sandy watched children of the corn once and that was it...
Glad we got over the line but job not done yet.

Madgen's fitness & continuity is more of a concern than her form IMO. She has been her usual self since returning to WNBL action, and it was clear to see why she was out there in crunch time too. She never drops her intensity and rarely makes a bad decision.
If Smith had a bit more of that in her then she's see a lot more playing time. Not that forcing her into the 3 spot does her any favours.
The losses of Talbot & Kunek being felt quite severely out there with those rotations.

Magbegor superb. Saved our arses that game. At both ends.
Allen mostly excellent as well. Maybe forced it a tad at times, but I think we need her to, especially when Whitcomb is off target.
Hopefully the bricks are out of Sami's system because we need some of those to drop. She was very solid otherwise though.

George as usual, frustrating and clutch in the same game. That 3 was massive.

Valuable intro for Reid. Dropped her guard a couple of times and got burned badly. Can't afford that at this level, but we got away with it and I'd back her to learn from that. We really need to be able to give either her or Melbourne meaningful minutes.
Hopefully Melbourne gets more time next game.

Agree with everything Luuuc said, well summarised.

No surprise they're doing strange things like playing Smith at the 3 given the squad construction. Clear Talbot comes straight back, but how do they fit Wallace in if they're not even going to give Melbourne a run?

Just how good is Ezi? Top scored and 2 key defensive efforts at the end . Think the whole team other than her had an off shooting night. If they can fix that then should win the other matches too.

Sandy got to grow some balls...

-Wallace and Talbot have to come back, she will have to push out 2.
-Kunek has overtaken Blicavs
-Madgen although a good captain can easily be replaced.

This morning

USA beat Nigeria
Belgium beat Senegal
Spain beat Canada
Hungary beat Japan ...

The Hungary tourney now reaches a weird stage as the last matches are not being played concurrently as is the traditional method in most tourneys. If Canada win the first match against Japan then Spain need to win the second match as Japan has the head to head over Spain, but Hungary also know they are through regardless of whether they win or not so that gives a decided advantage to Spain as there is absolutely no benefit to Hungary by winning (assuming placement in pools at Paris will be done via rankings). The reverse is true if Canada lose the first match and then Hungary is the one who needs to win and Spain can relax. Either way I don't want to be in the shoes of the loser of that first match. The other one is done and dusted already with Senegal missing Paris. Overall it seems a weird system to have 16 teams vying for 12 spots meaning you just have to avoid the spoon in your group. Normally would expect to have to finish in the top 2. Then throw in the complication of France and USA being involved in those tourneys and the whole process seems flawed to me.

-Wallace and Talbot have to come back, she will have to push out 2.
-Kunek has overtaken Blicavs
-Madgen although a good captain can easily be replaced.

Amoore is good but we have seen many times before the transition to pro level is tough. I'd be waiting a year before even bringing her into camp. The Olympics is just 5 months away.


Sandy will probably go back to

Whitcomb - Wallace
Talbot - Madgen
Allen - Blicavs - Kunek replaces Maley
Magbegor - Smith replaces Garbin
Tolo - George - Jackson

Melbourne misses again
Borlase misses out

Probably the correct S5... but the next 5 in is all wrong imo.


IMO
Whitcomb - Wallace - Melbourne
Talbot - Swain
Allen - Kunek
Magbegor - Smith
Tolo - George - Jackson(gets her 5 Olympics)

Madgen cut.
Swain edges Borlase.
Blicavs cut for Kunek.

Transition to pro & then international is no joke I agree. I believe Amoore is better placed than most to step up quickly, but yeah I'm probably getting ahead of myself contemplating it now.
Our olympic prep will no doubt be half-arsed again, meaning little scope for integrating anyone new.

As per your lineup vs the hypothetical Sandy lineup, I'd prefer the extra guard too. Madgen & Wallace's injury history + Talbot coming off an ACL + Whitcomb 36 by the olympics. It's not an ideal mix.

Realistically, nothing major will change squad-wise until after Paris (or we fail to qualify). Only then can start talking about fresh blood, unless it's a forced move like how Borlase got to Brazil.

I'd like to think Melbourne is still a chance though. A bit can still happen over the next 5 months. Fewer opportunities for Melbourne now that Diggins-Smith has signed with Seattle, unfortunately.
Step 1: will Sandy give her more or less than 60 seconds in game 2?

Tough to cut Madgen when she is the captain and culture setter, and on-court I thought she was at least a neutral if not positive yesterday. The problem in the past has been that they insist on using her as a PG when she isn't one!

Blicavs was a negative and just looks out of her depth to me- maybe not in terms of skill but moreso in terms of basketball IQ and decision making. No idea why she was being played over Smith in the second half.

George is a liability if her shots aren't dropping, but not sure that there's anyone I'd be picking over her at her position.

I think Steph Reid will be fine once she adjusts to the pace of the international game, just needs reps.

Didn't see enough of Melbourne to have much of an opinion, but I wonder if it's her defense that is keeping her off the court? Hopefully their last game is a dead one and they can give her more of a run.

I can see a number of retirements after Paris, and I really hope that Sandy isn't there to (mis)manage the transition to the younger players.

Hopefully their last game is a dead one and they can give her more of a run.

The punters must not be familiar with the Sabally sisters! I can see the Aussie bigs/forwards struggling to contain them without getting into foul trouble.

We struggled to beat the team expected to be the weakest in the pool. Those odds are a joke. Unless Brazil can cause an upset, we 'should' be going to Paris.

Germany is a real problem in the future, they can't produce 1s or 2s currently but they are set in the 3-4-5 positions for the next 15 years.

Guelich 6’5 94
Sabally 6’4 98
Fiebich 6’4 00
Sabally 6’4 00
Geiseloader 6’3 00
Bessoir 6’4 01
Sontag 6’3 03
Egharevba 6’4 03
Buhner 6’2 04
Soltau 6’4 05

France smoke china
Puerto rico edge nz to knock them out

Qualified so far
France
USA
China
Puerto Rico
Belgium
Nigeria

Both Saballys out- surely a comfortable win coming up.

Nothing makes me happier than the Jadeo to Borlase for the layup! Yes Sandy you can play the youth together!

While there are injuries in the team and we are playing Germany, I believe it is the injured player's responsibility (excluding Talbot) to remove youngsters such as Melbourne, Borlase and then like the additions of Reid. At the Olmypics, youngsters should be used for fresh legs and energy and you can't bring to many players into a team that have just recovered from injury.

Madgen also showing while she should be captain at the olympics. Her selection should not be doubted if fit.

Steph Ried and Wallace probably fighting for one position and while I am a huge fan of both defensively, Wallace will need to get back and be putting up some good numbers to dislodge Reid. Reid's defense can't be underestimated at physical tournaments and Wallace would provide the same, just needs to be fit and firing. I think Talbot replaces Blicavs.

Have to agree re Madgen but it ultimately comes down to whether the body holds up. Hopeful though she can get her body right and Sydney don't chase the ring at her expense.

Reid, Melbourne and Borlase all making the most of their opportunities thus far.

Super solid first half for the vets Madgen and Jackson and good to see first half m8 utes for Melbourne and Borlase.

Cruising to victory and the Olympics without the Sabally sisters.

Yeah Madgen's body needs to hold up for sure. Jackson Tolo George and Magbegor will all be there guaranteed. Good mix of big's with different strengths.

Izzy!!!! What a debut!

Awful 2nd half to watch.
Qualified for the Olympics which is good... but not sure we stack up well with many of the other teams. Hopefully not like the last Olympic campaign.

Yes good to see Smith and Blicavs got some time to try and play their way into form.

Brazil knocked out of Olympics by Serbia.

Qualified
USA
China
Australia
France
Serbia
Germany
Belgium
Nigeria
Puerto Rico
3 of Japan, Canada, Spain, Hungary


The Opals will have to produce something special to get back on the podium.

At least we qualified because looking through the upcoming 3x3 qualification tournaments with China going to Paris along plus possibly Hong Kong and Mongolia from Asia is downright pathetic from an Australian perspective.

Ridiculous statement to say if Madgen is fit that she plays for the Opals! Surely strong form over a lengthy period of time is the prerequisite for every Opal selected, Madgen included?

I thoroughly enjoyed that game.

Negatives:
The first 5 minutes were pretty bad when we had the ball in our hands. Against a better opponent we could have been in some early trouble after that sloppy play.

The 2nd half was not pretty, but that was forgivable. Hard not to get a bit loose when the game is unlosable and you're messing around with lineups.

Positives:
The way we put Germany away was pleasing. Took us a few minutes to settle in, but our energy & efficiency was excellent after that. Madgen reminding a few people that she can be a scorer when she gets the chance.

Much more of a trademark Reid game today. At international level her size becomes a little more of an issue offensively, but her up-and-in D is right at home in the FIBA world.

Melbourne was solid. My worry with her atm is the mistakes rather than whether she can do good things (which we know she can). Didn't do much wrong in 18 minutes so that's a big tick for her in my books.

We had the luxury of trying to play Smith & Blicavs into a bit of form in the 2nd half, and I thought Smith did ok with her extra minutes.

Borlase the clear biggest positive for me today though. The reactions from her teammates & coach said it all. I love those moments. A memorable debut, and "Yeah, nah" on the blocked shot by the commentator was the icing on the cake for me.

One thing you have to take into account is the 1v1 battle.

Whitcomb, Madgen, Reid, Melbourne, Borlase have gone up against 2 teams with not so talented guards.

What happens when they face real quality? Serbia has a couple of good guards but when they come up against the backcourts from teams not in our group.... I don't think we do as well.

When Borlase scored and got on a roll and they cut to sandys face... she was definitely like oh shit maybe I should play these youngsters.

Brazil not out yet. If they beat Germany then they have the head to head over Germany (and would have a better PD if we beat Serbia). Serbia are through (unless we manage to pump them by 28+ and Brazil squeak home over Germany).

Yep you are correct, got ahead of myself. Brazil are a chance especially if both Sabally sisters remain out.

So, did Lauren Jackson just confirm that she would NOT be a part of the Paris team?
Did I hear that correctly?

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/basketball/i-m-done-lauren-jackson-retires-will-not-play-in-olympics-20240211-p5f40l.html

Looks like Garbin, Scherf or Aokuso may have a chance. Sandy normally takes 5 post players.

Heartbreak for Hungary - eliminated.

Qualified
USA
China
Australia
France
Belgium
Nigeria
Puerto Rico
Japan
Canada
Spain
2 of Serbia, Germany or Brazil

Melbourne and Borlase have put their case forward for Paris, both were very impressive vs Serbia and on the court at crunch time.

Writing is in the wall for Reid with only 3 minutes of court time. Wallace would also have to be in doubt with her never ending injury issues.

Looking forward to catching up with Opals-Serbia tonight.
Borlase starting was not on my bingo card. Love it!

Sandys locked in 11?

Melbourne
Whitcomb
Wallace
Madgen
Borlase
Talbot
Allen
Smith
Magbegor
George
Tolo

1 spot..
Reid
Amoore
Rocci
Heal
Shelley
Swain
Nicholson
Atwell
Sharp
Maley
Kunek
Froling
Blicavs
Garbin
Aokuso
Scherf

Personally I'd have Bibby in front of a few of those other contenders.

After watching Whitcomb build a new house in Brazil this weekend there would have to be many many question over her selection moving forward. WNBL 3pt % is also a very average 28%.

Good shout out, Bibby and I guess Horvat who played at the asia cup.

The press conference after today's win was interesting with LJ still a chance for Paris.
I’m not sure if lj is not up to it physically, mentally or if she feels like she’s taking a spot from someone else or even if she does it for self, BA or Opals promotion/spotlight which is lucrative for all.

This Brazil-Germany game sounds like a wild ride.
All tied up with 1 minute left, and plenty of feeling in it by the sound of things

Odd situation for Germany, who are actually better off losing this game narrowly (which would still see them go to Paris) than sending it to overtime and risking a loss of 7+ points (which would see them miss out)

What on earth are Brazil doing? At 67-67 with 56 seconds to go, they're better off trying to keep scores tied and go to overtime (to get a 7+ point win)! Why are trying to win it from here?!

Qualified
USA
China
Australia
France
Belgium
Nigeria
Puerto Rico
Japan
Canada
Spain
Serbia
Germany

Germany gets it done by 2.
Brazil miss out on Paris, although they were right in all 3 of their games.
This qualifying is cut-throat stuff.

Ezi Magbegor is deservedly named Tournament MVP

Excellent result by the girls.

I didn't think they’d win all 3, and am very happy to be proved wrong. Similarly, I’m very happy that Jade and Isobel were given their chances after all, and they looked good out there.

And a great result for Ezi, with Bec close behind no doubt.

Close behind indeed.
Tournament All Star 5:
Magbegor
Allen
Fiebich
Anderson
Cardoso

And yeah, the tournament could hardly have gone better in terms of both results and some younger players getting exposure.

From the Basketball Australia website article:

The Opals will take part in camps, tours and friendly fixtures against other nations as preparations are fine tuned for the Games which start on July 26.
"The hard stuff does come now and we need to make sure we get our preparation right," Brondello added.
“Tokyo was a bit of a sour taste but it was a different Olympics then (because of the pandemic), players couldn't even practice so we’ll have the practice time, we’ll get the playing experiences that we need leading in and that will help us even though our WNBA players won’t be there for the whole time.

Someone has got to make way for Olaf as well , he always seems to appear out of nowhere when the big events are on , which Assistant Coach will make way ???

Genuinely confused about the minutes allocation today. Odd for Steph Reid to get almost no opportunity today, especially as I'm not sure she did enough to lock in a spot. I would have expected Blicavs and Smith to get some more minutes as well.

I do think Borlase and Melbourne did up their stock, with Ezi, Spida and Tolo showing their dependable selves at this level.

I do wonder whether we should have given Scherf the opportunity at this tournament.

Not hearing Maley mentioned as a possible inclusion- do we know if she's still in the running?
I know she has some obvious limitations to her game, but I thought they really could've used her rebounding in this tournament.

Doubt Maley would be considered for this team . Who would she be able to replace and coaching staff seems more comfortable will players who have been in the squad for longer time

Maley was in the squad when they won the bronze at the last world cup.

I'd take her over Blicavs, maybe even over Smith as although Smith performs well in the WNBA she somehow just doesn't seem a good fit with the Opals.

Finally caught up with the replay, and geez that was a strange game.
It felt like Serbia was playing the better basketball, but never really got the reward on the scoreboard. Just when they looked set to overrun us in the 4th they tightened up and we hit back very nicely, with Melbourne playing a good role in it.

I kinda get why Reid wasn't used much. She wasn't having her best game, it seemed like we were very much in trying-to-win mode, and I'm guessing that we wanted to give Melbourne more time this game. She was doing well with her minutes so I guess we just rolled with her in this one.

I don't really know what to make of this tournament as far as the Paris team goes though.
Melbourne & Borlase didn't hurt their chances. That's about all I can read from it all.

I hope we have a 100% healthy list to pick from in July!

I agree with you DMc, that Maley does offer a point of difference to the team.
Those 3-4 spots are a worry with neither Smith nor Blicavs doing too well this tournament.
I was really hoping Smith could solidify her spot but it didn't happen this week. Always hard to gather from all corners of the globe and instantly gel though.

Surely Talbot comes in for Paris ?

Think Sandy might cut Reid and Blicavs.
She was clearly impressed with both the young guns.
Talbot and Wallace come back surely.

That leaves...

Melbourne
Whitcomb
Wallace
Borlase
Madgen
Talbot
Allen
Smith
Magbegor
George
Tolo

Leaves 1 spot for
Kunek, Garbin or Scherf imo

Kunek p,sgs sf and Talbot/Allen are versatile, so they can play sf-sg-pf if need be.
Garbin was injured so she could return under sandy as a stretch 4.
Scherf probably the next highest rated centre after LJ.


Pretty good squad overall, would make a couple of changes but that's probably the squad, +1.

agree Weedy.

I think Blicavs offers more size and better Defence than Maley, but agree neither make the team. It's a shame we didn’t get to see Chloe Bibby in this tournament.

With the WNBL season done, thoughts turn back to the Opals.

A quick look at what the invisibles have been doing over in Europe so far this season:

Bibby has been great but does her game suite international ball....

Are there particular areas of concern for you that prompt that question?

I've only really watched her closely for one season, which of course was only against WNBL opponents. Her limited Opals B-team appearances have been ok IMO.

I have Garbin ahead of her in a similar position atm just because she has become a very good decision-maker more than anything else, but I think her game generally should translate well to FIBA play.
She's a touch undersized for an international 4, but if you play hard enough you can mostly neutralise that. Personally I think she's maybe not there right now, but is right on the fringe.

Hypothetically (in a pretend world in which Sandy had heard of her) if injuries to others meant that Bibby was next man up and elevated to the final 12, I don't feel like we'd lose a whole lot, and we'd gain a pretty solid perimeter shooting threat.

This is what I think the Brondello Opals currently are:

Whitcomb, Wallace+, Melbourne, Magden+
Allen, Talbot+, Blicavs+, Smith
Magbegor, George, Tolo, Jackson

Next in based on injury/Brazil squad:
Reid
Rocci
Heal
Borlase
Maley
Garbin
Kunek+
Aokuso

I would love to be wrong but I would be very surprised if anyone going to Paris isn't from that group.

Players I would like to see in the *extended squad* announcement that aren't named there:
Scherf, Bibby, Atwell, Nicholson, Sharp, Swain, Puoch, Amoore, Shelley.
Outsiders: Horvat, Cole, K.Froling, Bourne, Fowler


For reference, 2023 Asia Cup Opals were:
Rocci, Heal, Magden (Reid+)
Nicholson, Atwell, Maley
Garbin, Bibby, Kunek+, K.Froling
Horvat, Scherf


+some form of injury/fitness (now or recently)

Said it before but I'm ambivalent about the Olympics selections, it's too close and it'll be whatever. I'm more interested in the transition afterwards. We need to expose the younger generations to the top level to see how they go.

I like your thinking, QW

Garbin being injured at the time of Olympic qualifiers and with smiths poor performance, historically sandy has preferred Garbin.


26 players I assume

Reid
Heal
Rocci
Swain
Melbourne
Whitcomb
Wallace
Madgen
Borlase
Nicholson
Atwell
Talbot
Allen
Kunek
Sharp
Bibby
Froling
Blicavs
Garbin
Smith
Magbegor
George
Aokuso
Scherf
Tolo
Jackson


I think Maley is going 3x3 with whittle and Garrick/cole/froling etc
I think they skip the college kids altogether, Amoore + Shelley. Both interviewed recently didnt sound like a call up was coming anytime soon.

Amoore in, Everyone else except swain and injured Blicavs.
BA look like they are going to meet ljs demands.

after Swains last WNBL game, you would think that she at least makes the squad

She would be in the 12 if it was my choice.


Team?

Whitcomb
Melbourne
Madgen
Borlase
Talbot
Allen
+1
Smith
Magbegor
George
Tolo
Jackson

The squad is already pointlessly long and Swain is zero chance of going to Paris, yet still I kinda agree with you.
If they're going to make the list longer & longer purely for the sake of recognising good play and future potential then omitting Swain seems pretty snubby.
She's every chance of being right in the mix for a 2026 world cup spot.

Be interesting if she makes the sparks squad. Would make sandy look silly.

If the transition after Paris includes a different coach, then I can see youth getting a much bigger foot in the door. My worry is that Sandy is 'invited' to continue (which I can see BA doing cos it’s easier than having to find a new one).

Depending on the result, a failure like the last Olympics would see her gone.

When did LJ backflip on her opals retirement? Has she announced that?

She said she would consider coming back if BA payed for family to go also.

Be interesting if she makes the sparks squad. Would make sandy look silly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPKEchXOgBo

'twas announced yesterday that Swain had signed with Geelong for NBL1, but not sure if it's full-season or just filling in time before heading to WNBA (like Jade is doing with Melbourne Tigers).

Re:Jackson, that's a hell of a precedent to set for any other Olympians with kids!

It's both, a month here, a month there. Win contract = don’t return, cut = return to nbl1.

Nz team...
Molloy steps down from tall ferns after a 20W-19L record.

Rumours around they want Seebohm.

For those interested sandys record is now 33W-15L.

48W-24L total if you count the others who have filled in as HC which includes Lange/Chambers/Goriss/Seebohm

USA Women's National Team training camp roster has been released

Ariel Atkins
Shakira Austin
Aliyah Boston
Caitlin Clark
Chelsea Gray
Brittney Griner
Rhyne Howard
Sabrina Ionescu
Jewell Loyd
Kelsey Plum
Breanna Stewart
Diana Taurasi
A'ja Wilson
Jackie Young

The announcement says they'll be involved in training camps, which is good. That's what you want from these extended squads. As many camps as possible where they players who aren't playing get to at least one, and build from there. It's all about the future and figuring that out, even if the 12 players in final squad are to be expected.