"This is what you play for": Aokuso

The past four years have been extremely successful for the Australian Opals, winning bronze medals at both the 2022 FIBA World Cup and 2024 Olympic Games.

Mix in a 2025 Asia Cup gold medal, and Sandy Brondello's team heads to September's World Cup in Germany full of confidence.

While confidence and talent won't be lacking for the green and gold side, one thing that the side won't possess is World Cup experience.

Of the exciting 12-person squad, only Ezi Magbegor, Alanna Smith and Steph Talbot have played at a World Cup previously.

That means Brondello's side will have nine debutants when the September 4–13 tournament tips off in Berlin.

One of those will be Adelaide Lightning recruit Zitina Aokuso, who has been working all her life for this opportunity.

"This is what you play for," Aokuso told The Pick and Roll.

"This is what you try and achieve, and being able to say I'm going to a World Cup is super exciting, and I'm super grateful for the opportunity.

"Playing alongside the best 12 in your country is unreal."

Echoing the 27-year-old's thoughts was fellow debutant Steph Reid, who is ready to do her country and former Opals proud.

"Every time you put on an Australian jersey it means something," Reid said to Basketball Australia.

"You think about everyone who has worn it before you, your teammates beside you and everyone back home you are representing."

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Australia, who are in Group C of the September 4-13 tournament in Berlin, first play Puerto Rico on September 4, before games against Türkiye and Belgium.

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup squad:

- Zitina Aokuso (Adelaide Lightning)
- Chloe Bibby (Chicago Sky/WNBA)
- Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit and Atlanta Dream/WNBA)
- Isobelle Bourne (Sydney Flames)
- Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire)
- Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Jade Melbourne (Bendigo Spirit and Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Steph Reid (Tasmania Jewels)
- Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings/WNBA)
- Miela Sowah (Townsville Fire)
- Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning and Las Vegas Aces/WNBA)
- Ally Wilson (Sydney Flames)

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup schedule:

- Australia v Puerto Rico - Friday, September 4 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Türkiye - Sunday, September 6 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Belgium - Monday, September 7 - 7.30pm AEST