Basketball Australia are announcing the Seven Consulting Opals team that will compete at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, set to be held in Shenzhen, China from 13 – 20 July.
The selection of Cayla George provides top-level leadership for a world number two Opals program looking to improve on their bronze medal finish at the Asia Cup in 2023.
George will be joined by fellow Paris Olympians Isobel Borlase and Alex Wilson. It extends an incredible rise for Wilson who earns her Opals debut after starring with the 3x3 Gangurrus and a standout WNBL 24/25 season with the Perth Lynx.
The guard duo utilised in the recent Trans-Tasman series will return with Steph Reid and Maddy Rocci selected for the Asia Cup. Reid captained the Opals in May’s series and paired nicely with the dynamic Rocci to sweep the Tall Ferns.
We welcome the return of Sara Blicavs to FIBA tournament action after a successful comeback for the Opals during the Trans-Tasman Throwdown. Variability and support will be also provided with the selections of Zitina Aokuso and 2025 Spanish League MVP, Chloe Bibby.
Isabelle Bourne has earned her first Opals call-up, joined by a group of exciting fresh talent that impressed in the Trans-Tasman series; Alex Fowler, Miela Sowah and Courtney Woods.
“Naming any team is always hard, especially with some of our core players away, but it shows the depth of talent we have,” said Sandy Brondello, Opals Head Coach.
“We took into account the camp we had earlier this year in Melbourne, as well as the Trans-Tasman Throwdown, and a few players really stood out. Some players who weren’t available for TTT have come back into the mix, and with a few injuries, we’ve had to evaluate the big picture - not just for Asia Cup, but to make sure we qualify next year and keep building towards LA28.”
The Opals will kick off their Asia Cup campaign in Group B. The schedule commences with the Philippines on Sunday 13 July, Lebanon on Monday 14 July and Japan on Tuesday 15 July.
“There’s a lot of different styles we’ll face, Japan is very small and fast, and they shoot a lot of threes, so we’ve got to be versatile in how we defend them,” Brondello added.
“We’ve got to play Opals-style basketball and be the aggressor at both ends.”
Fresh off a successful Trans-Tasman Throwdown campaign against New Zealand, Paul Gorris will continue in the role of Associate Head Coach while Brondello fulfils her WNBA commitments with the New York Liberty.
“Goz (Paul Goriss) has been with me for so many years - even though our offensive styles are a little different, defensively we’re on the same page.
“We’ve got really great coaches with Goz, Shannon Seebohm, Kristi Harrower and Cheryl Chambers, there’s a wealth of experience there, and I’m really excited for them to lead the team at Asia Cup.”
Since being included in the Asia Cup division in 2017, the Opals have medalled at all four tournaments, claiming silver in their debut appearance before securing bronze in the following three events, consistently contending with regional powerhouses China and Japan.
The Asia Cup is an essential phase for the Opals and their aspirations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2026. In Shenzhen, the top six placed teams will automatically secure their place in the World Cup Qualifying Tournament set for March next year.
Click here for the schedule for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
| Opals Team | FIBA Asia Cup 2025 | |
| Zitina Aokuso | Cayla George |
| Chloe Bibby | Steph Reid |
| Sara Blicavs | Maddy Rocci |
| Isobel Borlase | Miela Sowah |
| Isabelle Bourne | Alex Wilson |
| Alex Fowler | Courtney Woods |
