Two of the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames' brightest stars have been named in the Opals squad to take on the might of Olympic silver medallist Japan next month.
Star point guard Shyla Heal and Flames co-captain Keely Froling were named in the squad which will play Japan in three important matches in the lead-up to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022.
Two games will be played at Sydney's Olympic Park at the Quaycentre and the third at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
For Froling, it's a recognition of her talent after she missed the side for the qualifiers in February despite having played a critical role for the Opals in the Asia Cup last year.
"I'm so happy for Keely to be named in the Opals squad," Flames coach Shane Heal said.
"Her WNBL season was outstanding, and I think she showed she has what it takes to become an Opal.
"Her toughness and mobility to play multiple positions really fits what the opals need moving forward."
Shyla Heal made her debut in the World Cup qualifiers in Serbia and is considered an integral part of the Opals future.
"Shyla gained tremendous experience with the opals in the qualifiers in Serbia," her father Shane said.
"Each camp and games will only help her as she looks to grow within the opals ranks for years to come.
"With key WNBA Opals out of the next camp and games it will provide further opportunities for her to show her worth."
The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 and lead-in events are supported by the NSW Government through its major events and tourism agency, Destination NSW and the Office of Sport.
Australia vs Japan - Game Details
Friday 27 May Quaycentre 7.30pm
Sunday 29 May Quaycentre 3.00pm
Tuesday 31 May Newcastle Entertainment Centre 7.30pm
Tickets for the series will go on sale Tuesday 19 April at 2pm at Ticketek.
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022
The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 will be held at Sydney Olympic Park from Thursday, 22 September to Saturday, 1 October.
Returning to local shores for the first time since Australia hosted in 1994, FIBA's flagship women's event will see 12 powerhouse basketball nations compete in 38 games across 10 days of action, all vying for the coveted World title.
The Opals, who are automatic qualifiers alongside rivals Team USA, have medalled in five of the last six World Cups, including a gold medal in 2006.
Basketball Australia Opals Squad 2022
Rebecca Allen New York Liberty *
Zitina Aokuso Townsville Fire
Sara Blicavs Southside Flyers
Rebecca Cole Southside Flyers
Keely Froling Sydney Uni Flames
Darcee Garbin Perth Lynx
Cayla George Melbourne Boomers
Shyla Heal Sydney Uni Flames
Ezi Magbegor Melbourne Boomers/Seattle Storm*
Tess Madgen Melbourne Boomers
Jade Melbourne UC Capitals/ Seattle Storm*
Lauren Nicholson Townsville Fire
Stephanie Reid Townville Fire
Maddison Rocci Southside Flyers
Alanna Smith Adelaide Lightning/Indiana Fever*
Lauren Scherf Perth Lynx
Stephanie Talbot Adelaide Lightning/Seattle Storm*
Marianna Tolo Basket Landes**
Kristy Wallace Southside Flyers/Atlanta Dream*
Sami Whitcomb Perth Lynx/New York Liberty *
Anneli Maley Bendigo Spirit/ Chicago Sky*
*WNBA
**Europe
