The Opals are lighting up the basketball world, and their journey to the World Cup in Türkiye is about to begin! As the Australian national team prepares for their World Cup Qualification trip, let's track the stellar performances of these talented players around the globe. From the Australian WNBL circuit to the WNBA and beyond, the Opals are making waves. But here's where it gets controversial... not everyone is making the cut. Who will make the final roster? Let's dive in and explore the performances of some of the Opals stars, and find out how they're shaping up for the big tournament ahead.
WNBL Stars Shining Bright
In the Australian WNBL, the Opals are delivering in abundance. Starting off strong, the Opals will be bolstered in Türkiye by the WNBL 2026 tournament MVP, Isobel Borlase. Borlase set new career highs across the entire stat sheet, showcasing her brilliance with career highs in points (22.84), rebounds (6.68), and assists per game (4.00). In the WNBL finals, two Opals went head-to-head in an overtime nail biter, as Alexandra Fowler’s Townsville Fire overcame Ally Wilson’s Perth Lynx for the WNBL 2026 championship. Meanwhile, Cayla George climbed the ranks to become the second most capped player in WNBL history with 395 appearances. The Southside Flyers star set the WNBL playoffs alight, leading the Flyers to the semi-finals, whilst providing back-to-back 30-point double-doubles in the semifinals.
Across the Pond: Opals Flying High
Across the pond, there have been a plethora of Opals flying the flag. Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor were recognized as defensive stalwarts in the 2025 WNBA season. Minnesota’s Smith claimed the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive First Team. While Magbegor showcased her own brilliance on the defensive end, setting a career high in blocks leading the league with 2.2 per game. Thus, granting her a place in the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team, her fourth consecutive time making an All-Defensive team list. Meanwhile, the esteemed Sami Whitcomb added another feather to her cap by once again making it to the WNBA finals, this time with the Phoenix Mercury. Since then, Whitcomb has gained experience in Türkiye playing for Beşiktaş, boding well for her preparation of the upcoming World Cup Qualifier tournament in Türkiye.
Recent Transfer News: Opals on the Move
In recent transfer news, the reliable Opals guard Steph Reid has found a new home in China. Reid joins the Guangdong Vermillion Birds, following her move from Gorzow in the Polish Basket Liga.
PLAYER TRACKER: Other Notable Opals
Zitina Aokuso (UC Capitals, WNBL)
WNBL Season 2025/26 - 13.24 PPG (career high), 7.35 RPG, 3.53 APG (career high)
Chloe Bibby (Uni Girona CB, Liga Femenina de Baloncesto)
Liga Femenina de Baloncesto Season 2025/26 - 12.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 STL
WNBA 2025/26 - 9 GP, 3.9 PPG
Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals, WNBL)
WNBL Season 2025/26 - 11.28 PPG, 4.67 RPG, 5.89 APG
Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning, WNBL)
WNBL Season 2025/26 - 15.30 PPG, 7.13 RPG, 4.52 APG, 1.96 STL
As the Opals prepare for their World Cup Qualification trip, these players are making waves around the world. Who will make the final roster? Stay tuned to find out!
