CHEMIST WAREHOUSE AUSTRALIAN OPALS SQUAD NAMED FOR ASIA CUP SELECTION CAMP

Following their first camp on the Gold Coast in April, the Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals will hold a selection camp for the 2019 FIBA Asia Cup from July 20-28 in Phoenix, Arizona.

It will be the second iteration of the tournament that the Opals have competed in after winning the silver medal in 2017 and the FIBA Asia Cup tips off an important three-year cycle for the women's game.

The Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Asia will begin in November where Australia will fight for one of the top four spots to advance to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February, 2020.

There, the Opals will take on qualifiers from the rest of the world to determine the final 12 spots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

13 athletes that participated in the Gold Coast camp will head to Phoenix with the American location allowing the five current WNBA players to re-join the national team.

"This is a very strong squad with a good mixture of experienced and up-and-coming younger players who we are excited to evaluate," said Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals head coach, Sandy Brondello.

"The camp allows another great opportunity for us to continue to work on our system and chemistry as a team."

It will be the first time the likes of Liz Cambage, Rebecca Allen, Sami Whitcomb and Alanna Smith get back in the green and gold after they won silver at the 2018 FIBA women's World Cup, with 11 players from that team named in the squad.

In addition, Darcee Garbin, Zitina Aokuso, Lauren Nicholson, Tahlia Tupaea, Tiana Mangakahia and Alex Wilson will be aiming to make their first Opals team.

All eight Chemist Warehouse WNBL clubs are represented as well including 2019 Champion with the University of Canberra Capitals, Marianna Tolo.

"Anytime you can have your top players available is beneficial for our growth as a team," said Brondello.

"While the WNBA players will be not be involved for the full camp as it falls around the WNBA All-Star weekend, it will be great to have some contact with them to get familiar with the Opals style of play.

"We are also welcoming back players who missed the Gold Coast camp due to injuries and overseas commitments."

The 2019 FIBA Asia Cup will be held from September 22-29, with the location yet to be confirmed by FIBA.

"The FIBA Asia Cup is important as every tournament we play is a part of us continuing to develop our game and to gain more experience playing against different styles."

The Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals 2019 FIBA Asia Cup selection camp squad:

NAMECLUBZitina AokusoJCU Townsville FireRebecca AllenNew York Liberty (WNBA)Abby BishopKSC Szekszárd (Hungary)Sara BlicavsJayco RangersElizabeth CambageLas Vegas Aces (WNBA)Katie EbzeryPerth LynxDarcee GarbinJCU Townsville FireCayla GeorgeDeakin Melbourne BoomersTessa LaveyBendigo Bank SpiritTess MadgenJCU Townsville FireEzi MagbegorDeakin Melbourne BoomersTiana MangakahiaSyracuse Orange (USA)Lauren MansfieldPerth LynxLeilani MitchellWNBL Free AgentLauren NicholsonMAC Adelaide LightningJenna O'HeaWNBL Free AgentSteph TalbotMinnesota Lynx (WNBA)Nicole SeekampMAC Adelaide LightningAlanna SmithPhoenix Mercury (WNBA)Marianna ToloUniversity of Canberra CapitalsTahlia TupaeaBrydens Sydney Uni FlamesSami WhitcombSeattle Storm (WNBA)Alex WilsonBrydens Sydney Uni Flames