Michaela Meade
Craigieburn’s Ezi Magbegor has been named in the Opal’s camp squad ahead of the Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Serbia next month.
The 16-person squad will be heading to training camp in Sydney from Monday, January 31 until Friday, February 4.
Magbegor had previously played on the Opals squad in 2018.
She was also part of the Australian Olympic basketball team in 2020.
The other players named in the squad include Magbegor’s Melbourne Boomers teammates Tess Madgen and Cayla George.
The squad will be rounded out by Sami Whitcomb, Shyla Heal, Lauren Nicholson, Rebecca Cole, Jade Melbourne, Steph Talbot, Anneli Maley, Alanna Smith, Maddy Rocci, Sara Blicavs Abby Bishop, Darcee Garbin and Zitina Aokuso.
Sandy Brondello will be leading the squad as the head coach for the camp, returning to Australia following her time in a new position as the New York Liberty head coach.
Brondello said she was happy to be coming home and was looking forward to working closely with the squad.
“I have been watching the WNBL games and I’m really impressed with the performances of the girls and it’s exciting to finally get on a court with them,” she said.
“The qualifying games in Serbia will be fierce, the competition is always tough at the international level, so this camp is a pivotal time for us to prepare.
“I will be meeting some players for the first time while others I have worked with for years but that’s a great challenge to have as a coach.
“We have a lot to do in [a] short period of time but I know this squad is committed to the task so I can’t wait to get on the plane and get started.”
Following the camp, the final squad of 12 athletes will be chosen to compete in the qualifier from Thursday, February 10 until Sunday, February 13.
