After an impressive Bronze finish in the FIBA Women’s World Cup, the Australian Opals are preparing to take on the cream of the crop from Asia and Oceania in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023.
With the added advantage of playing on home soil, the Australian Opals are hoping to keep the winning streak alive. ESPN is set to provide live coverage of every Opals game, beginning on Monday, June 26.
The Opals, who secured the third position in the 2021 tournament, will be part of Pool B, alongside formidable opponents Japan, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines. ESPN will broadcast all Opals games in the FIBA Asia Cup 2023 live, beginning with back-to-back pool games from Monday to Wednesday, tipping off at 7.20pm AEST.
Australia’s first match will be against the Philippines, followed by games against Chinese Taipei and reigning FIBA Women’s Asia Cup champions, Japan. The tournament is not only about crowning the Asia/Oceania champions, but it also offers the opportunity to qualify four teams for the 2024 Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The 12-player team features Tess Madgen, Darcee Garbin and Anneli Maley, accompanied by Alice Kunek, Keely Froling, Lauren Nicholson and Lauren Scherf, all of whom have previous FIBA tournament experience.
Chloe Bibby, Chantel Horvat, and Amy Atwell have been granted their first international level opportunities, and Shyla Heal and Maddy Rocci join the squad after successful WNBL seasons.
Shannon Seebohm will be coaching Australia at the senior level for the first time, as Sandy Brondello is currently helming the New York Liberty in the WNBA.
The competition in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023 is expected to be intense, with China, who eliminated Australia in last year’s FIBA World Cup Semi Final, and Japan, the defending Asia Cup champions, in the fray.
FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023 on ESPN
Monday June 26
7.20pm AEST, Australia vs Philippines, ESPN
Tuesday June 27
7.20pm AEST, Chinese Taipei vs Australia, ESPN
Wednesday June 28
7.20pm AEST, Australia vs Japan, ESPN
Friday June 30
4.50pm AEST, FIBA Asia Cup Qualification Final TBC, ESPN
7.20pm AEST, FIBA Asia Cup Qualification Final TBC, ESPN
Saturday July 1
4.50pm AEST, FIBA Asia Cup – Semi Final 1, ESPN
7.20pm AEST, FIBA Asia Cup – Semi Final 2, ESPN
Sunday July 2
12.20pm AEST, FIBA Asia Cup Bronze Medal Game, ESPN
2.50pm AEST, FIBA Asia Cup Gold Medal Game, ESPN
