‘Global talent’ out, but young star answers Opals’ call
Sebastian Tan |
Australia’s hopes of ending a 20-year title drought at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup have suffered a blow, with star guard Sami Whitcomb ruled out with injury.
Ahead of the tournament, which begins on September 4 in Berlin, the Opals were shaken by news that Whitcomb wouldn’t be fit to play after battling a persistent knee injury while playing in the WNBA.
The 38-year-old missed a chunk of the start of the season because of the inflammation, but returned in July and played 16 minutes for Phoenix Mercury against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday (AEST).
The decision to rule Whitcomb out of the World Cup, which Opals assistant coach Paul Goriss said was made just days ago, was a precautionary measure.
Regardless, it’s a mammoth blow for Australia, who are looking to win the Cup for the first time since 2006 and make the podium for a fourth consecutive time.
“Sami’s experience and leadership, we’re going to miss that a whole lot,” Goriss told AAP on Thursday.
“She’s just a global talent. Everyone knows who she is and what she can do, how quickly she can get a shot away and score the ball.
“This is something that she’s always been working towards, and she really takes to heart representing the Opals. It’s just devastating news.”
Whitcomb’s injury will take a huge toll on the side’s experience, with veteran Cayla George also not taking part because of pregnancy.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Opals, with a young star set to be given the chance to shine.
Townsville Fire sharpshooter Miela Sowah has answered her national team’s SOS call, after being unlucky to miss the initial 12-player cut.
The three-point specialist produced a stunning grand final performance to help the Fire win the WNBL championship last season, and is currently on the Golden State Valkyries’ roster in the WNBA.
Sowah has already played for the Opals, most notably in the 2025 Asian Cup, where she produced rigid defensive performances along with pinpoint shooting to help the team secure gold.
Goriss expects the Opals to be fit and firing for their first clash against Puerto Rico next Friday, before facing Turkey and Belgium to round out the group stage.
It’s a welcome relief considering both star forwards Alanna Smith (face) and Ezi Magbegor (foot, facial fracture) dealt with injuries earlier in the WNBA season.
AAP