Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames players Sally Potocki and Kate-Rae Ebzery have been named in a 15-player Australian squad for the 2011 World University Games.
Basketball Australia released the squad this week, with the Flames duo set to push for selection in the final 12 to contest the World University Games to be held in China in August.
The Australian will be coached by AIS Head Coach Phil Brown and will feature a host of players with WNBL and Opals experience.
Sally Potocki represented Australia at the 2009 World University Games in Serbia, with the team claiming the bronze medal under the guidance of Townsville Fire mentor Peter Buckle.
Katie-Rae Ebzery is another Flame with international experience, having played at the 2007 FIBA Under 19 World Championships as a 16 year-old.
Ebzery enjoyed a break-out season in the WNBL in season 2010/2011 and finished the year as the second leading scorer on the team, claiming the WNBL Player of the Month award in January.
Potocki is a Flames stalwart at just 22 years of age, having graduated from the local City of Sydney Basketball Association and played five seasons in the blue and gold.
Flames coach Karen Dalton said the selection of the two athletes was credit to their ability to juggle the rigours of elite basketball with university study.
“Juggling the demands of study, work, training and games is tough for any young student-athlete and this selection is recognition and reward for the effort and sacrifices Sally and Katie have made for their sport,” she said.
“Sydney University has a proud record of players representing their country and selection in this squad is hopefully the first step in these two players gaining selection for the World University Games.”
The final team of 12 will be selected in July, following a series of games against the Japanse National Team.
The full squad is –
Abby Bishop SA
Stephanie Cumming VIC
Katie Ebzery NSW
Cayla Francis SA
Sarah Graham QLD
Nicole Hunt VIC
Rachel Jarry VIC
Emma Langford SA
Tessa Lavey VIC
Tess Madgen SA
Mia Newley SA
Jenna O’Hea VIC
Elyse Penaluna VIC
Sally Potocki NSW
Marianna Tolo QLD
Louella Tomlinson VIC
Staff
Head Coach: Phil Brown
Assistant Coach: Chris Lucas
Team Manager: Trudy Pearce
