Australia women's national basketball team

For the precious stone, see opal.
Australia Australia
FIBA ranking 2 Steady[1]
FIBA zone FIBA Oceania
National federation Basketball Australia
Coach Brendan Joyce[2]
Nickname(s) Opals
Olympic Games
Appearances 7
Medals Silver: 2000, 2004, 2008
Bronze: 1996, 2012
Women's World Cup
Appearances 14
Medals Gold: 2006
Bronze: 1998, 2002, 2014
Oceania Championship
Appearances 15
Medals Gold: 1974, 1978, 1982, 1985, 1989, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015
Uniforms
Light
Dark

The Australian women's national basketball team is the women's basketball team representing Australia in FIBA international competitions.[3] The team is nicknamed the Opals, after the brightly coloured gemstone, common to the country.[4] From 1994 onwards, the Opals have been consistently competitive and successful having won nine medals at official FIBA international tournaments (Olympics and World Cups), highlighted by a gold medal winning performance at the 2006 World Championship in Brazil.[5] At the regional Oceania Championship for Women, the Opals have won 15 titles.[6][7]

History

1950-60s: A new beginning

Basketball arrived in Melbourne in 1905, but the first major international women’s tournament was the 1953 FIBA World Championships held in Chile.[8][9][10] Although the Opals did not qualify for the first tournament, they did, however, qualify for the 1957 Championships held in Brazil. Captained by Lorraine Eiler, the Opals defeated Cuba and Peru.[11] However, the inexperienced team ultimately finished in 10th place.[12] Since then, the Opals have helped increase the popularity of the sport in Australia.[13] Australia would not get the opportunity to participate at the 1959 World Championship held in Moscow because at the time, the Australian Government would not allow the team to travel to the USSR. The Opals would not qualify for a World Championship again until the 1967 contest in Czechoslovakia. With an entirely new team and a single victory over Italy, Australia finished in 10th position for the second time.[14]

1970s: Early development

In 1971, the Opals travelled once again to Brazil. Led by new head coach Merv Harris, and featuring Jill Hammond, the team made several improvements with only three players from the 1967 squad selected.[13] Although the Opals finished in ninth place, they had victories over Madagascar (twice), Argentina, Ecuador and Canada.[15] In 1975, the team headed to Colombia with another new head coach, Jim Madigan. Despite a 74–25 confidence building win over Senegal, as well as victories over Japan, Brazil and Hungary, the team finished in 10th place.[16]

The 1976 Olympics held in Montreal marked the first Olympic medals awarded for women’s basketball, but Opals did not qualify for the tournament.[17] Their next major competition would be the 1979 World Championships in South Korea, which would prove to be their first taste of success. The coach again was Jim Madigan, and the squad featured some of the faces of the Opals for the next decade such as Jenny Cheesman, Robyn Maher, Julie Nykiel, Karin Maar and Patricia Mickan.[13] The team would have early success defeating Italy and France, as well as thrashing Malaysia 119–14.[18] Australia would lose their next three games, but bounced back winning their final game over Japan to finish in fourth place, their best international result to that time.[19]

1980s: Into the Olympics

In the early days of women’s Olympic basketball, only six countries competed in the tournament, and the host country received an automatic entry.[20] Therefore, there were 22 countries competing for the remaining five spots in 1980 Olympics held in Moscow. In the preliminary tournament, the Opals fell to the USA and Hungary, and did not qualify for the Olympics.[21] Three years later, the team traveled to Brazil for the 1983 World Championships, looking to demonstrate that their 1979 success was no accident. Despite an early victory over Japan, Australia failed to advance and finished in 11th place.[22] The Opals were not expected to participate at the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles. However, following the decision by Cuba to boycott the games, the door was opened for the Opals to compete in their first ever Olympics.[23] Led by head coach Brendan Flynn, and team captain Jenny Cheesman, the Opals played competitively in every game, but finished fifth out of the six teams.[24]

The next tournament for the Opals was the 1986 World Championships in Moscow. The first game against Hungary was a two overtime thriller that the Opals lost 79–77.[25] The game set the tone for the tournament, and despite some close finishes against the top rated teams, Australia finished in ninth place.[26] The Opals then headed into the 1988 Seoul Olympics with a medal hope, but they lost the first game to host nation Korea.[27] The Opals bounced back and defeated Bulgaria, meaning that only the powerful Soviet Union stood between them and a semi-finals berth. In a major upset, the Opals defeated the USSR 60–48, setting up a meeting against Yugoslavia. In a memorable game, the Opals lost a closely contested game at the buzzer 57–56, sending them to a rematch with the USSR for the bronze medal. Motivated by the previous loss, the USSR came out determined and outplayed the Opals 68–53.[28] Despite the loss, the fourth-place finish equalled the Opals’ previous best international placing.[29]

1990s: Rise as an International force

Lauren Jackson in August 2012, Australia's most decorated basketball player

Building from their success at Seoul, the Opals headed to Malaysia for the 1990 World Championships with high hopes. The team won their first two games against Malaysia and Italy, before suffering a string of losses to Bulgaria, the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia.[13] In their final game, the Opals came back from seven point halftime deficit to beat Bulgaria 73–71 and finish in sixth place.[30] Fifteen teams competed for the five open spots at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and despite a respectable 4–2 record at the preliminary tournament, the Opals did not qualify.[31]

Two years later, Australia played host to the 1994 FIBA World Championships.[32] Led by guard Shelley Sandie's 11.9 points per game, the team scored victories over Japan, Italy, Slovakia and Canada to set up a semi-finals match against China. The Opals held an early lead, but China mounted a second half comeback led by Haixia Zheng’s 36 points, and Australia just lost by a single point 66–65.[33] In the bronze medal game, Australia played the United States, and despite a small halftime lead, the Opals lost a close game 100–95.[34] The loss however, resulted in a respectable fourth-place finish.[35] The young 1994 squad featured the backbone of Australian teams over the next decade; Rachael Sporn, Trisha Fallon, Michelle Brogan, Allison Tranquilli, Sandy Brondello, Annie La Fleur and Jenny Whittle.[36]

At the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, the Olympic tournament was expanded to twelve teams, making an easier path for Australia to qualify.[13] Captained by Robyn Maher, the Opals started off with strong wins over South Korea, Zaire, and Cuba before losing to eventual gold medalist USA and Ukraine. Australia then persevered through an overtime game against Russia to set up a semi-finals match against the United States. The US won the game 93–71, sending the Opals to a rematch against the Ukraine for the bronze medal. Australia held back a second half comeback by the Ukraine to win the game 66–56, earning Australia its first ever international basketball medal for either men or women.[37][38]

In 1998, the Opals looked to build off the bronze medal at the World Championships in Germany. The team featured 17-year-old future star Lauren Jackson, and was led by Michelle Brogan’s average of 13.1 points per game.[39][40] Australia put together a dominant performance, winning their first seven games before losing to Russia 82–76 in a close semi-final match.[41] In the bronze medal game, Carla Boyd’s 26 points proved too much for Brazil, and the Opals won 72–67 to earn their second bronze medal in international play.[42][43]

2000s: Jackson and Taylor

With Sydney hosting the 2000 Olympic Games, the Opals gained automatic entry into the tournament.[44] Captained by Michele Timms, the team started out with dominating performances winning all of their first seven games, sending them to their first ever gold medal match, against the USA. The American team proved too strong for the Opals however, as they won 76–54.[45] Australia won the Silver Medal, their best result in international competition at the time.[46] In 2002, the Opals looked to continue their success in China at the World Championships. Coached by Jan Stirling, captained by Kristi Harrower, and powered by Lauren Jackson’s 23.1 points per game (which led the tournament), Australia won its first five games all by double figures.[47] In the second round the Opals lost to Brazil, but bounced back with a 78–52 victory over France in the quarterfinal. In the semi-finals, the Opals lost to eventual gold medalist USA, but recovered the next day to capture the bronze medal with a convincing 91–63 win over South Korea.[48]

A photograph of the Australian National women's basketball team which won the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women in basketball
The National team celebrating after being awarded the gold medals for winning the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women in basketball

At the 2004 Olympics held in Athens, Greece, the Opals were led by Lauren Jackson’s tournament best 22.9 points and 10 rebounds per game. With Penny Taylor contributing with 14.8 points per game, Australia dominated early winning their first seven games, all by double digits. The Opals set up a rematch of the 2000 Olympic gold medal match against the USA. The United States outlasted the Opals in the fourth quarter to win 74–63, giving the Opals their second straight Olympic silver medal.[49]

The Opals headed to Brazil for the 2006 World Championships looking to win their sixth straight medal in international competitions. Led by Lauren Jackson’s 21.3 points per game and Penny Taylor’s 18 points per game, first and third best in the tournament respectively, the Opals played their best tournament to date.[13] Australia began the tournament with a forfeit victory over Lithuania.[50] They continued the trend by winning their next seven games decisively, with only one contest being decided by less than 10 points. In the gold medal game against Russia, the Opals led throughout, paced by Penny Taylor’s 28 points and Lauren Jackson’s 11 rebounds. At the final buzzer, the scoreboard read Australia 91, Russia 74; a convincing victory that delivered Australia’s first ever basketball gold medal.[5][51] Penny Taylor was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.[32]

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Opals looked to reaffirm their title as World Champions. In the lead up, Australia went underfeated against Belarus, Brazil, South Korea, Latvia, Russia, Czech Republic and host China to set up a third straight gold medal match against the United States.[52] The Opals had trouble hitting the basket and shot just 24% en route to a 92–65 defeat.[53] The team earned their third straight Olympic silver medal, and their seventh straight international medal finish.[54]

2010s: Ushering a new era

Liz Cambage, the first woman in Olympic history to slam dunk a basketball

In 2010, the 16th edition of the World Championship was held in the Czech Republic. Pre-tournament favourites Australia, USA, and Russia, dominated play in the first two rounds. In the quarterfinals, however, Australia suffered a shock 79–68 loss to the Czech Republic.[55] The loss meant that the Opals could not finish any higher than 5th place, its worst international result since the early 1990s.[56]

Looking to rebound from their disappointing 2010 result, the Opals qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games in London by beating New Zealand three games to nil in the 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship.[57][58] They finished the Olympic preliminary series with a 4 – 1 record, losing to France in game 2, but after Belinda Snell sank a well beyond the half-court line 3 point shot with less than 1 second on the clock to send the game into overtime.[59][60] Against Russia, Liz Cambage became the first woman in Olympic history to successfully slam dunk a basketball.[61][62] In the quarterfinal against China, Lauren Jackson became the Olympic Games record holder for points scored, overtaking Brazilian legend Janeth Arcain's tally of 535 points.[63] The Opals accounted for China 75–60 to set up a semifinal game with their long-time rivals USA.[64] Despite holding a half-time lead, the Opals again fell short losing 86–73.[65] The Opals would however, win their 5th consecutive Olympic medal with an 83–74 win over Russia to claim the bronze.[66]

Leading up to the 2014 World Championship in Turkey, a number of long-serving players announced their retirements or declared themselves unavailable. Those players included Kristi Harrower, Jenni Screen, Kristen Veal, Abby Bishop, Kathleen MacLeod, Samantha Richards, Suzy Batkovic and Jenna O'Hea.[67][68][69][70][71][72] Three weeks before the start of the tournament, Lauren Jackson withdrew from the team because of a knee injury.[73] Two weeks later Liz Cambage ruptured her achilles tendon during a pre-tournament game and was ruled-out because of the injury.[74] This resulted in the selection of seven debutants into the squad of 12, a move seen as ushering in a new era of Opals basketball.[75] Despite the loss of these players, the Opals went through the preliminary rounds and quarter-final undefeated, setting up a semi-final clash with USA. In a hard-fought game, the Opals cut the lead from 16 points to just six early in the final quarter, before losing 82–70. The Opals would however claim their third bronze medal at world championships with a comfortable 74–44 win against host nation Turkey.[76] Penny Taylor was named to the tournament All-Star Five.[77]

The Opals qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro following a series win against New Zealand in August 2015.[78] On 31 March 2016, Lauren Jackson announced her retirement from basketball, citing a chronic knee injury as the reason for her decision.[79]

World Cup results

The first official Women's World Cup, known as the Women's World Championship through its 2014 edition, was held in Chile in 1953.[9] The tournament was expanded to 16 countries (teams) in 1990. Australia qualifies for the World Cup through competing in the FIBA Oceania Basketball Championship held each 4 years in the year preceding the World Championships.[32] Typically, this tournament features either a two or three-game series between Australia and New Zealand.[7][80]

Year Championship Result
1953 Chile Chile Did not qualify[10]
1957 Brazil Brazil 10th[12]
1959 Soviet Union USSR Did not participate[81]
1964 Peru Peru Did not qualify[82]
1967 Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia 10th[14]
1971 Brazil Brazil 9th[15]
1975 Colombia Colombia 10th[16]
1979 South Korea Seoul 4th[19]
1983 Brazil Brazil 11th[22]
1986 Soviet Union Soviet Union 9th[26]
1990 Malaysia Malaysia 6th[30]
1994 Australia Australia 4th[35]
1998 Germany Germany  Bronze[42]
2002 China China  Bronze[48]
2006 Brazil Brazil  Gold[5]
2010 Czech Republic Czech Republic 5th[56]
2014 Turkey Turkey  Bronze[83]
2018 Spain Spain

Past World Championship squads

1957 Brazil
Australia 1957 Opals squad[84]
Eiler, Lorraine (Capt)
Burke, Nita
Cockburn, Bronte
Flannagan, Gaynor
Hill, Nancy
Hoban, Patricia
Homburg, Eril
Saunders, Melva
Thomas, Vern (Head Coach)
1967 Czechoslovakia
1967 Opals squad[85]
Rowe, Pat (Capt)
Bain, Jean
Cook, Dutchie
Delany, Teresa
Elliott, Elizabeth
Forster, Jean
Hammond, Fran
Lynch, Rayleen
Reilly, Maureen
Ticehurst, Vickie
Waters, Carole
Wilson, Jean
Gaze, Tony (Head Coach)
1971 Brazil
1971 Opals squad[86]
Rowe, Pat (Capt)
Bain, Jean
Bauer, Glenys
Dhu, Agnes
Franks, Liz
Hammond, Jill
Hannett, Rhonda
Hynes, Rhonda
Tomlinson, Sandra
Verzeletti, Rose
Waters, Carole
Waters, Yvonne
Harris, Merv (Head Coach)
1975 Colombia
1975 Opals squad[87]
Hammond, Jill (Capt)
Bennie, Maree
Blicavs, Ilze
Bowman, Jan
Cheesman, Jenny
Graham (m. Stirling), Jan
Gross, Julie
Harcus, Sue
Maar, Karin
Misiewicz, Ann
Tomlinson, Sandra
Wilson, Dianne
Madigan, Jim (Head Coach)
1979 South Korea
1979 Opals squad[88]
Hammond, Jill (Capt)
Amiet, Sharon
Cheesman, Jenny
Cook (née Wilson), Dianne
Maar, Karin
Gross, Julie
Jackson (née Bennie), Maree
Maher (née Gull), Robyn
Mickan, Patricia
Nykiel, Julie
Smithwick, Jan
Williams, Janet
Madigan, Jim (Head Coach)
1983 Brazil
1983 Opals squad[89]
Cheesman, Jenny (Capt)
Cockrem, Patricia
Dalton, Karen
Deacon, Sharon
Fields, Karin
Foster, Kathy
Laidlaw, Wendy
Maher, Robyn
Marshall, Bronwyn
Mickan, Patricia
Nykiel, Julie
Ogden, Karen
Flynn, Brendan (Head Coach)
1986 Soviet Union
1986 Opals squad[90]
Cheesman, Jenny (Capt)
Brown, Donna
Dalton, Karen
Foster, Kathy
Geh, Sue
Maher, Robyn
Marshall, Bronwyn
Mickan, Patricia
Nykiel, Julie
Rowe, Marisa
Timms, Michele
White, Maree
Cadee, Robbie (Head Coach)
1990 Malaysia
1990 Opals squad[91]
Maher, Robyn (Capt)
Brondello, Sandy
Browning, Tracey
Dalton, Karen
Gorman, Shelley
Hamilton, Lucille
Moffa, Marina
Moyle, Joanne
Reisener, Jenny
Sporn, Rachael
Thornton, Samantha
Timms, Michele
Cadee, Robbie (Head Coach)
1994 Australia
1994 Opals squad[92]
Maher, Robyn (Capt)
Brogan, Michelle
Brondello, Sandy
Dalton, Karen
Fallon, Trish
La Fleur, Annie
Sandie, Shelley
Sporn, Rachael
Thornton, Samantha
Timms, Michele
Tranquilli, Allison
Whittle, Jenny
Maher, Tom (Head Coach)
1998 Germany
1998 Opals squad[93]
Maher, Robyn (Capt)
Boyd, Carla
Brogan, Michelle
Brondello, Sandy
Harrower, Kristi
Hill, Jo
Jackson, Lauren
La Fleur, Annie
Sporn, Rachael
Timms, Michele
Tranquilli, Allison
Whittle, Jenny
Maher, Tom (Head Coach)
2002 China
2002 Opals squad[94]
Harrower, Kristi (Capt)
Batkovic, Suzy
Brogan, Michelle
Brondello, Sandy
Fallon, Trish
Grima, Hollie
Hodges, Laura
Jackson, Lauren
Kingi, Jae
Taylor, Penny
Tranquilli, Allison
Whittle, Jenny
Stirling, Jan (Head Coach)
2006 Brazil
2006 Opals squad[95]
Whittle, Jenny (Capt)
Bevilaqua, Tully
Grima, Hollie
Harrower, Kristi
Hodges, Laura
Jackson, Lauren
McInerny, Emily
Phillips, Erin
Randall, Emma
Screen, Jennifer
Snell, Belinda
Taylor, Penny
Stirling, Jan (Head Coach)
2010 Czech Republic
2010 Opals squad[96]
Jackson, Lauren (Capt)
Bevilaqua, Tully
Bishop, Abby
Cambage, Liz
Grima, Hollie
Harrower, Kristi
O'Hea, Jenna
Phillips, Erin
Richards, Samantha
Snell, Belinda
Taylor, Penny
Tolo, Marianna
Graf, Carrie (Head Coach)
2014 Turkey
2014 Opals squad[97]
Taylor, Penny (Capt)
Allen, Rebecca
Burton, Natalie
Francis, Cayla
Hodges, Laura
Jarry, Rachel
Lavey, Tessa
Mitchell, Leilani
Phillips, Erin
Richards, Gabrielle
Snell, Belinda
Tolo, Marianna
Joyce, Brendan (Head Coach)

Olympic results

Women's basketball was introduced as an Olympic sport at Montreal in 1976.[98] From 1976 to 1992, only six countries (teams) participated in the Olympic tournament. However, in 1996 at Atlanta the tournament was expanded to twelve teams.[99] Australia qualifies for the Olympic Games through competing in the FIBA Oceania Basketball Championship held each 4 years in the year preceding the games.[32] Typically, this tournament features either a two or three-game series between Australia and New Zealand.[7][100]

Year Games Result
1976 Canada Montreal Did not qualify[17]
1980 Soviet Union Moscow Did not qualify[21]
1984 United States Los Angeles 5th[24]
1988 South Korea Seoul 4th[29]
1992 Spain Barcelona Did not qualify[31]
1996 United States Atlanta  Bronze[37]
2000 Australia Sydney  Silver[46]
2004 Greece Athens  Silver[49]
2008 China Beijing  Silver[54]
2012 United Kingdom London  Bronze[101]
2016 Brazil Rio de Janeiro Qualified[102]
2020 Japan Tokyo

Past Olympics squads

1984 Los Angeles
Games of the XXIII Olympiad[103]
Cheesman, Jenny (Capt)
Cockrem, Patricia
Dalton, Karen
Foster, Kathy
Geh, Sue
Laidlaw, Wendy
Maher, Robyn
Marshall, Bronwyn
Mickan, Patricia
Moffa, Marina
Nykiel, Julie
Quinn, Donna
Flynn, Brendan (Head Coach)
1988 Seoul
Games of the XXIV Olympiad[104]
Cheesman, Jenny (Capt)
Brondello, Sandy
Brown (née Quinn), Donna
Dalton, Karen
Gorman, Shelley
Maher, Robyn
Mickan, Patricia
Moffa, Marina
Nykiel, Julie
Slimmon, Debbie
Timms, Michele
White, Maree
Cadee, Robbie (Head Coach)
1996 Atlanta
Games of the XXVI Olympiad[105]
Maher, Robyn (Capt)
Boyd, Carla
Brogan, Michelle
Brondello, Sandy
Chandler, Michelle
Cook, Allison
Fallon, Trish
Robinson, Fiona
Sandie (née Gormon), Shelley
Sporn, Rachael
Timms, Michele
Whittle, Jenny
Maher, Tom (Head Coach)
2000 Sydney
Games of the XXVII Olympiad[106]
Timms, Michele (Capt)
Boyd, Carla
Brondello, Sandy
Fallon, Trish
Griffiths (née Brogan), Michelle
Harrower, Kristi
Hill, Jo
Jackson, Lauren
La Fleur, Annie
Sandie, Shelley
Sporn, Rachael
Whittle, Jenny
Maher, Tom (Head Coach)
2004 Athens
Games of the XXVIII Olympiad[107]
Fallon, Trish (Capt)
Batkovic, Suzy
Brondello, Sandy
Harrower, Kristi
Jackson, Lauren
Porter, Natalie
Poto, Alicia
Snell, Belinda
Sporn, Rachael
Summerton, Laura
Taylor, Penny
Tranquilli, Allison
Stirling, Jan (Head Coach)
2008 Beijing
Games of the XXIX Olympiad[108]
Jackson, Lauren (Capt)
Batkovic, Suzy
Bevilaqua, Tully
Cox, Rohanee
Grima, Hollie
Harrower, Kristi
Phillips, Erin
Randall, Emma
Screen, Jennifer
Snell, Belinda
Summerton, Laura
Taylor, Penny
Stirling, Jan (Head Coach)
2012 London
Games of the XXX Olympiad[109]
Jackson, Lauren (Capt)
Batkovic, Suzy
Bishop, Abby
Cambage, Liz
Harrower, Kristi
Hodges, Laura
Jarry, Rachel
MacLeod, Kathleen
O'Hea, Jenna
Richards, Samantha
Screen, Jennifer
Snell, Belinda
Graf, Carrie (Head Coach)

Current squad

Australian Opals – 2015 FIBA Oceania Women's Championship roster
Players Coaches
Pos. # Name Age – DOB Ht. Club
PG 4 Wilson, Kelly 30 – (1985-01-01)1 January 1985 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) Bendigo Spirit Australia
PG 5 Lavey, Tessa 22 – (1993-03-29)29 March 1993 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) Bendigo Spirit Australia
SG 6 Madgen, Tess 25 – (1990-08-12)12 August 1990 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) Melbourne Boomers Australia
SF 7 Talbot, Stephanie 21 – (1994-06-15)15 June 1994 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) University of Canberra Capitals Australia
C 8 Batkovic, Suzy 34 – (1980-12-17)17 December 1980 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) Townsville Fire Australia
F/C 9 Burton, Natalie 26 – (1989-03-23)23 March 1989 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in) Perth Lynx Australia
PF 10 Jarry, Rachel 23 – (1991-12-06)6 December 1991 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) South East Queensland Stars Australia
F/C 11 Hodges, Laura (C) 31 – (1983-12-13)13 December 1983 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Bourges Basket France
G/F 12 Snell, Belinda 34 – (1981-01-10)10 January 1981 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) Bendigo Spirit Australia
SG 13 Ebzery, Katie 25 – (1990-01-08)8 January 1990 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) Sydney Uni Flames Australia
G/F 14 Kunek, Alice 24 – (1991-01-06)6 January 1991 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) Melbourne Boomers Australia
PF 15 Blicavs, Sara 22 – (1993-02-15)15 February 1993 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) Melbourne Boomers Australia
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • Australia Scott Butler
  • Australia Lori Chizik
  • Australia Damian Cotter
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Club – describes last
    club before the tournament
  • Age – describes age
    on 15 August 2015

Depth Chart

Pos. Starter Bench Bench Inactive
C Suzy Batkovic Laura Hodges
PF Natalie Burton Rachel Jarry Sara Blicavs
SF Stephanie Talbot Belinda Snell
SG Tess Madgen Katie Ebzery Alice Kunek
PG Tessa Lavey Kelly Wilson

Individual achievements

Opals all-time games played

Rank Name Games Career World Championships Olympic Games
1 Robyn Maher* 374[110] 1979–1999 1979, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1994 & 1998 1984, 1988 & 1996
2 Rachael Sporn* 304[110] 1990–2004 1990, 1994 & 1998 1996, 2000 & 2004
3 Sandy Brondello* 302[110] 1988–2004 1990, 1994, 1998 & 2002 1988, 1996, 2000 & 2004
4 Michele Timms* 264[111] 1986–2000 1986, 1990, 1994 & 1998 1988, 1996 & 2000
5 Jenny Whittle 262[110] 1994–2006 1994, 1998, 2002 & 2006 1996 & 2000
6 Shelley Sandie* (née Gorman) 258[110] 1988–2003 1990 & 1994 1988, 1996 & 2000
7 Karen Dalton* 252[110] 1983–1994 1983, 1986, 1990 & 1994 1984 & 1988
8 Allison Tranquilli (née Cook) 239[110] 1994–2004 1994, 1998 & 2002 1996 & 2004
9 Trisha Fallon* 212[110] 1994–2004 1994 & 2002 1996, 2000 & 2004
10 Kristi Harrower 209 1998–2012 1998, 2002, 2006 & 2010 2000, 2004, 2008 & 2012
11 Michelle Brogan (m. Griffiths) 180[112] 1994–2003 1994, 1998 & 2002 1996 & 2000
12 Jenny Cheesman* 167[113] 1975–1988 1975, 1979, 1983 & 1986 1984 & 1988
13 Lauren Jackson 150+[114] 1998–present 1998, 2002, 2006 & 2010 2000, 2004, 2008 & 2012
14 Patricia Mickan 150[115] 1979–1989 1979, 1983 & 1986 1984 & 1988

Legend

Opals Team Captains

Team captain Period Tournaments
Lorraine Eiler 1957 1957 World Championship
Pat Rowe 1967–1971 1967 World Championship
1971 World Championship
Jill Hammond 1975–1979 1975 World Championship
1979 World Championship
Jenny Cheesman 1980–1988 1980 Pre Olympic Qualification Tournament
1982 Oceania Championship
1983 World Championship
1983 Oceania Championship
1984 Pre Olympic Qualification Tournament
1984 Olympic Games
1985 Oceania Championship
1986 World Championship
1987 Oceania Championship
1988 Olympic Games
Robyn Maher 1990–1998 1990 World Championship
1992 Pre Olympic Qualification Tournament
1994 World Championship
1995 Oceania Championship
1996 Olympic Games
1997 Oceania Championship
1998 World Championship
Michele Timms 1999–2000 1999 Oceania Championship
2000 Olympic Games
Rachael Sporn 2001 2001 Oceania Championship
Kristi Harrower 2002 2002 World Championship
Trisha Fallon 2003–2004 2003 Oceania Championship
2004 FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament
2004 Olympic Games
Jenny Whittle 2005–2006 2005 Oceania Championship
2006 World Championship
Natalie Porter 2007 2007 Oceania Championship
Lauren Jackson 2008–2013 2008 FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament
2008 Olympics Games
2009 Oceania Championship
2010 World Championship
2011 Oceania Championship
2012 Olympic Games
2013 Oceania Championship
Penny Taylor 2014 2014 World Championship
Laura Hodges 2015–present 2015 Oceania Championship

Legend

See also

References

  1. ↑ FIBA (2008). FIBA World ranking for women. Retrieved on 26 August 2008.
  2. ↑ Nagy, Boti (16 May 2013). Brendan Joyce named as new head coach of the Australian Opals. Adelaide Now. Retrieved 15 JUne 2013.
  3. ↑ FIBA. Profile Australia (AUS). Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  4. ↑ Greenwood. W.A. (2007, p.44). Australian identity – A sense of belonging. Published by R.I.C. Publications, Australia. OCLC 277177825. ISBN 9781741266726.
  5. 1 2 3 FIBA Archive. 2006 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  6. ↑ The Landon Trophy for competition between Australian and New Zealand. FIBA Oceania. Retrieved 2012-09-07.
  7. 1 2 3 FIBA Archive. 2011 FIBA Oceania Championship for Women. History. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  8. ↑ Nauright, John & Parrish, Charles (2012, p. 361). Sports Around the World: History, Culture, and Practice. Published by Santa Barbara, California. OCLC 729344518. ISBN 9781598843002.
  9. 1 2 USA Basketball. First World Championship for Women – 1953. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  10. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1953 World Championship for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  11. ↑ Lorraine Eiler. Basketball Australia: Hall of Fame. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  12. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1957 World Championship for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Basketball Australia. Opals History. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  14. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1967 World Championship for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  15. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1971 World Championship for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  16. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1975 World Championship for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  17. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1976 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  18. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1979 World Championship for Women. Box Score: Malaysia v Australia. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  19. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1979 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  20. ↑ Olympic basketball qualification. NBC Universal: London 2012 Basketball. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  21. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1980 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  22. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1983 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  23. ↑ Williamson, Andrea (25 July 2008). SA Olympians Past and Present – Pat Mickan. ABC Adelaide. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  24. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1984 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-07-22.
  25. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1986 World Championship for Women. Box Score: Australia v Hungary. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  26. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1986 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  27. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1988 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Box Score: Australia v Korea. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  28. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1988 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Box Score: Australia v Soviet Union. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  29. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1988 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-07-22.
  30. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1990 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  31. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1992 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  32. 1 2 3 4 FIBA Women's World Championships. Basketball Australia: WNBL. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  33. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1994 World Championship for Women. Box Score: Australia v China. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  34. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1994 World Championship for Women. Box Score: USA v Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  35. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1994 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  36. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1994 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  37. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1996 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-07-22.
  38. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1996 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Box Score: Ukraine v Australia. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  39. ↑ WNBA star Lauren Jackson to carry Australian flag at opening ceremony. Mercury News Media Center (26 July 2012). Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  40. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1998 World Championship for Women. Player Profile: Michelle Brogan. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  41. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1998 World Championship for Women. Box Score: Russia v Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  42. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 1998 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  43. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1998 World Championship for Women. Player Profile: Carla Boyd. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  44. ↑ The Landon Trophy for competition between Australian and New Zealand (page 7). FIBA Oceanic History. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
  45. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2000 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Box Score: USA v Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  46. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 2000 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-07-22.
  47. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2002 World Championship for Women. Player Leaders. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
  48. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 2002 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  49. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 2004 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  50. ↑ Dampney, James (14 September 2006). Lithuania forfeit a letdown for Opals. The Age. Retrieved 2012-07-28.
  51. ↑ Opals savour golden moment in history (25 September 2006). The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2012-07-28.
  52. ↑ Murphy, Mitchell (24 August 2008). Opals settle for silver. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  53. ↑ Das, Andrew (23 August 2008). FINAL U.S. Defeats Australia, 92–65, for Gold Medal in Women’s Basketball. The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-07-28.
  54. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 2008 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  55. ↑ Czech hosts shock Australia as Russia lose to Belarus. BBC Sport: Basketball. Retrieved 2012-07-28.
  56. 1 2 FIBA Archive. 2010 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  57. ↑ Opals ready to turn to gold. Australian Olympic Team (22 June 2012). Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  58. ↑ The Landon Trophy for competition between Australian and New Zealand (page 11). FIBA Oceanic History. Retrieved 2013-01-07.
  59. ↑ Lewis, Ross (31 July 2012). Greatest shot in Olympic women's basketball? The West Australian. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  60. ↑ Dutton, Chris (21 July 2012). 'Hail Mary' heroine's rollercoaster ride as overtime god forsakes Opals. Brisbane Time. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  61. ↑ Kent, Paul (4 August 2012). Opals on a roll, fend off Russians 70–66. Herald Sun. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  62. ↑ Dutton, Chris (3 August 2012). Slambage signals her arrival as Opals dispose of Russia. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  63. ↑ Lauren Jackson breaks Olympic scoring record. Basketball Australia (8 August 2012). Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  64. ↑ Hand, Guy (8 August 2012). Opals face US nemesis a match early. Ninemsn Sport. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  65. ↑ Opals beaten by USA in women's basketball semi-final. Herald Sun (10 August 2012). Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  66. ↑ Dutton, Chris (12 August 2012). Opals stand tall after gutsy bronze. Brisbane Times. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  67. ↑ Ward, Roy (9 March 2014). Home win might be the end for basketballer Kristi Harrower. The Age. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  68. ↑ Ward, Roy (29 July 2014). Australian veteran Jenni Screen retires from Opals. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  69. ↑ Tuxworth, Jon (7 May 2014). Lauren Jackson, Kristen Veal could reunite at Canberra Capitals. The Canberra Times. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  70. ↑ Dutton, Chris (8 April 2014). Parenting rules force Abby Bishop to miss basketball world championships. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  71. ↑ Ward, Roy (6 October 2013). Keeping it in the family. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  72. ↑ Basketball Australia (20 March 2014). Batkovic and O'Hea withdraw from Opals 2014 campaign. Retrieved 2014-008-03
  73. ↑ Lauren Jackson pulls out of basketball worlds due to knee injury (1 September 2014). Fox News. Retrieved 2014-09-02.
  74. ↑ Opals not fazed by loss of Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage (26 September 2014). The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  75. ↑ Basketball Australia (10 September 2014). Jayco Opals Team Named for FIBA World Championship for Women. Retrieved 2014-09-11.
  76. ↑ Opals overrun Turkey to take third place (5 October 2014) FIBA.com Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  77. ↑ Basketball Australia (6 October 2014). Jayco Opals captain Penny Taylor named in All-Star Five. Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  78. ↑ Ward, Roy (August 17, 2015). Australian Opals make the Rio Olympics with series win over New Zealand. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2015-08-29.
  79. ↑ Tuxworth, Jon (March 31, 2016). Australian basketball champion Lauren Jackson retires as game's greatest. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
  80. ↑ Opals thump Tall Ferns to win Oceania Championship. Basketball Australia (2 September 2009). Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  81. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1959 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  82. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1964 World Championship: Tournament for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  83. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women. Event Standings. Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  84. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1957 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  85. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1967 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  86. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1971 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  87. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1975 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  88. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1979 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  89. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1983 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  90. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1986 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  91. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1990 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  92. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1994 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  93. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1998 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  94. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2002 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
  95. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2006 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  96. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2010 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  97. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2014 World Championship for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2015-08-19.
  98. ↑ CBC Sports (2008). Olympic Games Basketball History: Women's hoop dreams. Retrieved on 25 August 2008.
  99. ↑ Basketball Australia. Opals History. Retrieved 2012-07-22.
  100. ↑ Opals beat Tall Ferns, Boomers beat Tall Blacks, to qualify for London Olympics. The Australian (9 September 2011). Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  101. ↑ Hand, Guy (9 September 2011). Opals qualify for London Olympics. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
  102. ↑ "Tall Ferns impress, Opals move on to Rio". FIBA Oceania. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  103. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1984 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  104. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1988 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  105. ↑ FIBA Archive. 1996 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  106. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2000 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  107. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2004 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Australia. Retrieved 2012-08-27.
  108. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2008 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Australia. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
  109. ↑ FIBA Archive. 2012 Olympic Games: Tournament for Women. Australia. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  110. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 200 games for hometown star Harrower. Basketball Australia. News (26 June 2012). Retrieved 2012-08-23.
  111. ↑ Basketball Australia. Hall of Fame: Michele Timms. Retrieved 2012-08-23.
  112. ↑ Michelle Brogan. SportingPulse: Dandenong Rangers. Retrieved 2012-08-23.
  113. ↑ Basketball Australia. Hall of Fame: Jenny Cheesman. Retrieved 2012-08-23.
  114. ↑ Lauren Jackson wants Carrie Graf as Opals coach but is undecided on own future. News Limited (20 August 2012). Retrieved 2012-08-23.
  115. ↑ National Library of Australia. Radio interview with Mark and Pat Mickan (28 February 1993) Retrieved 2012-08-23.

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