In an exclusive interview in the latest episode of Basketball Australia’s new on-line show ‘Countdown’, Jayco Opals legend Allison Tranquilli has returned fire to American basketball star Sue Bird after the US Women’s Basketball Team member recently dismissed Australia’s chances of challenging the USA in London.
Tranquilli, a two-time Olympian and WNBL MVP, said the comments could be used as motivation for the Jayco Opals after Bird, a dual Gold Medallist and WNBA star, suggested a second US Women’s team would be America’s greatest competition in a story on ESPN website grantland.com.
“I’m sure the Opals will have something to say about that,” Tranquilli said.
“There’s no doubt the depth of basketball talent in the USA is strong and a second team would be one of the strongest, but I don’t think they would be their biggest competition.
“She’s (Bird) wrong there.”
The headlines continue to roll out for Countdown, the show tracking the Boomers and Jayco Opals journey to London, following Chris Anstey’s recent call for a Boomers X-factor.
The latest episode of Countdown also caught up with Jayco Opals veteran Kristi Harrower, answered fan questions in the Countdown Beatdown and welcomed Emerging Opals coach Cheryl Chambers for the Countdown Conversation.
To view the latest episode of Countdown visit the Basketball Australia website at: www.youtube.com/basketballaust
A critical part of the Australian national teams’ preparations for London will be The Farewell Series, which will see the Boomers and Jayco Opals take on Greece and Brazil respectively in a three-match series, tipping off with a double-header at Hisense Arena on Sunday June 24.
Tickets for The Farewell Series: Basketball’s Road to London are now on sale for all games with adults starting from just $25 and children/concession from $15.
For more information on The Farewell Series visit: www.thefarewellseries.com.au.
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