Brydens Sydney Uni Flames captain and starting shooting guard Katie Ebzery has been named in the Jayco Australian squad for their warm-up tour in Japan ahead of their August Olympic campaign.
Following successful Rio preparation camps in Canberra and Gosford, the 12 selected players will face the Japanese national team in Nagaoka on May 7. Two further games will then be contested in Tokyo on May 9 and 10.
Returning Australian head coach Brendan Joyce feels that all chosen players are in contention for the final Rio squad despite being unable to trial the likes of Erin Phillips and Penny Taylor due to WNBA commitments, while Marianna Tolo and Abby Bishop are still injured.
Although the tour will largely serve as a squad development tool, the Opals remain intent on reliving their series win from last July over Japan before the Oceania Championships.
After Japan, the Opals will tour Europe before returning home for two final camps in June and July.
Katie has been working hard on her game since the conclusion of the Flames’ WNBL season to keep match fitness and recently returned home to play for the Newcastle Hunters in the Waratah League, top scoring with 19 points after coming off the bench in her last game for the team.
The Jayco Australian Opals squad for the warm-up tour in Japan:
First Name |
Surname |
Club |
Rebecca |
Allen |
SEQ Stars |
Suzy |
Batkovic |
JCU Townsville Fire |
Sara |
Blicavs |
Jayco Dandenong Rangers |
Natalie |
Burton |
Perth Lynx |
Elizabeth |
Cambage |
Shanghai |
Katie-Rae |
Ebzery |
Brydens Lawyers Sydney Uni Flames |
Cayla |
George |
JCU Townsville Fire |
Rachel |
Jarry |
SEQ Stars |
Tessa |
Lavey |
Perth Lynx |
Tess |
Madgen |
Deakin Melbourne Boomers |
Leilani |
Mitchell |
MAC Adelaide Lightning |
Stephanie |
Talbot |
Canberra Uni Capitals |