Why Opals star chose Adelaide

In Aja Parham-Ammar's first off-season in charge, the Adelaide Lightning have undergone a roster revamp.

While the likes of Steph Talbot and Tayla Brazel return, the Lightning have nine new players committed to the club for WNBL27.

One of the headlines of that recruiting class is Australian Opal Zitina Aokuso, who joins from the UC Capitals.

While former Opals teammate and new Adelaide Lightning GM Tess Madgen played a big role in Aokuso's recruitment, the star centre outlined who else was key.

"She (Parham-Ammar) was an unreal player in her time, and I'm really keen to play under her," Aokuso told The Pick and Roll.

"She's looking to play fast, and that's something I've wanted to do as well, so really keen about it."

The seven-year WNBL pro is also excited to embrace a new role on the Lightning, and build on her career-best 13.2 points a game in WNBL26.

"For many years I've just been a facilitator, and just wanted to get everyone else involved - which I still want to do - but being that more dominant force on the offensive side is something I'm looking to do this season," Aokuso said.

As well as elevating her game, the 27-year-old is determined to help the South Australian club win their first title since 2008.

"Number one, winning a championship," she added.

"I think that's what everyone's goal is, but for me, being a more dominant presence inside, and not just a facilitator, I'm looking to be that this season."

Aokuso, who is part of the Opals' FIBA World Cup squad in Germany, and her Lightning open their WNBL27 season in Sydney on October 18.

Read the full story here >> Z-A: Unpacking Zitina Aokuso’s move to Adelaide