By Tara Murray
Despite winning two medals with the Australian Opals in the last 12 months, Deakin Melbourne Boomers’ Ezi Magbegor was still shocked to be selected in the latest Opals squad.
At just 18 she was selected as part of the Opals team for the Commonwealth Games and she kept her spot in the World Cup team which won silver last year.
Earlier this month, the Craigieburn local was one of 22 players picked in the squad for 2019. She’s joined in the squad by Boomers teammates Cayla George, Stephanie Talbot and Jenna O’Hea.
“There are some really good players in my position in the squad, especially someone like Cayla George who has been a great role model for me,” Magbegor said.
“To be included in any Opals squad is an honour – you just have to look at the names in the list to know what a strong group of players this is.
“It was a bit of a shock to be named, but deep down I had hoped I would be there after being involved last year.”
While Magbegor is thrilled to be part of the Opals squad again, her short term focus is helping the Boomers try and claim the Women’s National Basketball League title.
The 19-year-old has played a significant role in helping the Boomers secure home advantage for its semi-final clash with Adelaide at the State Basketball Centre this Sunday.
Magbegor finished the season sitting in third in the competition for field goal percentage.
Magbegor knows how tough the challenge is that lies in wait on Sunday and has urged fans to get behind the team for their push for silverware. It’s her first season with the Boomers and she has thoroughly enjoyed her time on and off the court at the club.
“Our focus since the start of the season has been about going one better than last year, our goal has always been to win the championship,” she said.
“I want to thank the fans for their amazing support this season, they’ve been behind us all the way and I’m looking forward to seeing them all this Sunday. Hopefully they turn out in force to get behind us.”
“Adelaide finished the season strong, they’ve won eight out of their last ten games.
“We had to fight back twice against them, you know they’re never out of it, so it has to be a four- quarter performance from us to win.”
-With Michael Doolan
