By Susannah Walmsley
Recently signed Brydens Sydney Uni Flames centre, Alex Bunton has been selected in the Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals team ahead of the 2018 FIBA World Cup. The World Cup will be held in Tenerife, Spain from 22-30 September.
Bunton joined the Flames after stints in the WNBL and most recently in European Leagues. Competing for Dynamo Moscow she averaged 10.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest In the Eastern European League, and 7.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in the Russian League.
"Alex has worked very hard to get back to full fitness under the guidance of Jan Legg, Strength and Conditioning Coach," said coach Sandy Brondello.
"She is another big body who will give us an inside presence on offense as well as provide us with another physical post player and strong rebounder at the defensive end.
"Alex has always had a lot of potential and now with a healthy body, I am looking forward to watching her development at the FIBA World Cup and beyond," Brondello added.
Bunton will join Flames Head Coach Cheryl Chambers, who is an Assistant Coach of the Opals and has been a part of the program since May, 2017.
Sitting 4th in the FIBA World Rankings, Australia will take on Nigeria (34th), Argentina (15th) and Turkey (7th) in the group phase of the tournament. Australia has had great success at recent World Championships, finishing with Gold in 2006 and Bronze in 2014.
The Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals Schedule for the FIBA Women's World Cup (all times AEST):
September 22: Australia vs. Nigeria at 8.30pm
September 23: Australia vs. Argentina at 8.00pm
September 25: Australia vs. Turkey at 8.30pm
September 26: Quarter-Final Qualifications
September 28: Quarter-Finals
September 29: Semi-Finals
September 30: Medal Games
The Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals Team for the FIBA Women's World Cup:
NAMECLUBRebecca AllenNew York Liberty (WNBA)Alexandra BuntonBrydens Sydney Uni FlamesElizabeth CambageDallas Wings (WNBA)Katie-Rae EbzeryPerth LynxCayla GeorgeDeakin Melbourne BoomersTess MadgenJCU Townsville FireEzi MagbegorDeakin Melbourne BoomersLauren MansfieldPerth LynxLeilani MitchellUniversity of Canberra CapitalsJenna O'HeaDeakin Melbourne BoomersAlanna SmithStanford UniversityStephanie TalbotDeakin Melbourne BoomersSTAFFROLESandy BrondelloHead CoachCheryl ChambersAssistant CoachPaul GorissAssistant CoachChris LucasAssistant CoachGaylene MackayPhysiotherapistDanielle BarwoodTeam DoctorTrine BourkeMassage TherapistTrish FallonTeam Leader
View the full Basketball Australia Press Release.
Catch Alex in action with the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames this 2018/19 WNBL season. Purchase your membership today HERE!
