Dual Olympic silver-medallist Suzy Batkovic will headline an under-strength Opals squad for a three-game series against China later this month.
The team, missing several big names including WNBA stars such as Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor, will take on China on July 24 in Logan, on July 28 in Townsville and in Cairns on July 30.
The series will serve as perfect preparation for September's FIBA Oceania Series against New Zealand, the winner of which will gain direct entry into the 2012 London Olympics.
Batkovic, along with 2010 FIBA world championship team members Abby Bishop and Marianna Tolo, will provide key international experience for the team.
Coach Carrie Graf said Bishop, Tolo and Batkovic will complement Australian-based players such as Jessica Bibby and the team's youngest player Tess Madgen.
"This is certainly an emerging talent group, but there is also a great deal of experience in this list, and great depth particularly at the post," she said.
"Players like Abby Bishop and Marianna Tolo, both members of our 2010 World Championship team, will be looking to continue their great form, and Elyse Penaluna is another talented tall who has performed well in camp and on tour recently.
"Then you add a 'big' with the experience and skill-level of dual Olympian Suzy Batkovic and we feel confident that we have the size to give the fans in Queensland a good showing against China.
Australia: Suzy Batkovic, Abby Bishop, Jessica Bibby, Stephanie Cumming, Cayla Francis, Rachael Flanagan, Tess Madgen, Elyse Penaluna, Marianna Tolo, Kristen Veal, Carly Wilson, Hanna Zavecz.
- AAP
Tags: basketball, sport, china First posted July 13, 2011 20:14:41
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