Basketball Australia has confirmed a 10-strong Gliders squad to head to Osaka Cup in Japan, continuing the program’s long-standing involvement in the international tournament.
The Osaka Cup remains a key fixture on the Gliders’ yearly calendar, providing a valuable early-season international campaign.
The group will complete a preparation camp in Melbourne later this week before departing for Japan on 17 February.
The tour will include a series of school visits within the local community on 18 February, ahead of competition at the Osaka Cup from 20–22 February, where the Gliders will take on Japan, Thailand and Germany.
Named as Interim Head Coach for the campaign, Jeremy Synot said the camp would play an important role in shaping the group ahead of competition.
“We’re using this camp as an opportunity to recalibrate after the Asia Oceania Zone Championships last November and to continue to build on the strong work that has been done over the past two years.”
“We’ll also explore some small adjustments on both the offensive and defensive ends, which will help create clarity around each athlete’s role and ensure we’re well prepared for the upcoming games.”
While it will be Synot’s first time attending the tournament, he said the Osaka Cup continues to be highly regarded by the playing group.
“Many of the athletes have spoken about the consistently high standard of competition.”
“It’s a great opportunity to start the year in a positive way, as the group builds momentum ahead of more significant campaigns later in the year, including the Repechage in June.”
Synot said the selected squad reflects both emerging talent and experienced international performers across the women’s national wheelchair basketball pathway.
“We have athletes who are at the early stages of their careers, such as Katelin Gunn, Ebony Stevenson and Victoria Simpson, alongside experienced players who have competed at the Paralympic Games, including three-time Paralympian Shelley Matheson and her London 2012 teammate and silver medallist Sarah Vinci, who returns to the squad following a short break from the game.”
Synot said he was excited by the group’s mindset and commitment.
“Any opportunity to represent your country at the highest level is special.”
“What excites me most is the drive this group has to be the best they can be. They give me great confidence in their ability to be coached and in their ability to perform against world-class opposition.”
He added that his approach in the interim role would focus on consistency and preparation.
“I’m very excited and honoured to have the opportunity to lead the group, but I’ve taken a strongly process-driven approach to the role.”
“Together with the playing group, our focus is on building strong habits and clear systems, which we will continue to develop during our pre-camp. I’m not results-driven in the short term. I believe a strong focus on process will lead to positive performances.”
