Basketball On The Internet.

THE latest incarnation of an Australian Opals squad was released last week, a comfortable cluster of 19 players for coach Sandy Brondello, a no-risk, no-gambles group of familiar faces providing for a relaxed build-up to the 2026 FIBA World Cup, Townsville guard Miela Sowah selected on her sizzling WNBL form.

Quite a few others were not, but that's Brondello's prerogative ahead of a March qualifying tournament in Istanbul.

This is a similar "no danger" series for the Opals as they already have qualified for the World Cup. But it will give them an opportunity to flex their muscles against Argentina, Japan, Hungary, Turkey and Canada.

“Availability is hugely important and honestly a luxury we don’t often have in the international space. Having full access to the talent pool gives us real clarity and confidence,” Brondello said in a Basketball Australia statement.

“It allows the staff and I to evaluate the group together, accelerate connection and trust, test roles and versatility, and ultimately strengthen the foundation we’re building toward the FIBA Women’s World Cup.”

The greater level of availability presented pressure on selection and Brondello says the Opals program analysed a variety of factors in deciding the 19-player roster.

“Our selection methodology is always layered. We looked at sustained performance over time, including Asia Cup and WNBA play, current form in 2026 in respective leagues, and how players fit within our system,” she said.

So there you have it in one. It was mostly about reputations which explains why Adelaide's Dallas Loughridge (16.4ppg, 4.0apg), Perth's Alex Ciabattoni (16.4ppg, 2.8apg, 3.3rpg), Geelong's Jaz Shelley (14.4ppg, 3.7 apg, 2.7 spg) and Lynx forward Anneli Maley (13.1ppg, 13.3rpg, 2.8apg) - four of the most in-form players in the WNBL, could not get a look in.

Loughridge has lowered the colours of every WNBL PG she has faced this season and had a 23-point, 5-assist haul in Lightning's most recent game, a loss to Perth.

The Lynx have Ciabattoni in career-best form, slotting a career-high 32 points at 75 per cent, with two assists, a steal and a block against Lightning.

Shelley had 29 points with six threes as Geelong fell short of Canberra, and leads the league in steals with 2.7 per outing.

Maley compiled 19 points with seven assists and 16 rebounds against Adelaide and leads the WNBL in rebounding.

None of them was worth a thought?

“It was a difficult process given the depth we have, but we believe this roster gives us the best balance to compete in Turkey while continuing to build toward the World Cup,” Brondello said.

“March is about clarity and connection for us. We want to be really clear on our identity, how we play, and the standards we bring every time we step on the floor.

“Defence, role clarity, and execution under pressure will be critical in Istanbul. With tough competition ahead, this tournament isn’t just about winning — it’s an important step in building toward the World Cup.”

OK. In that case, if a 23-player squad was far too many, then why not exclusively pick 14, the likely World Cup 12 and two reserves? Role clarity will arrive a lot faster.

The Opals Squad: Zitina Aokuso (Canberra Capitals, WNBL), Amy Atwell (Perth Lynx, WNBL), Chloe Bibby (Uni Girona CB, Liga Femenina de Baloncesto), Sara Blicavs (Canberra Capitals, WNBL), Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit, WNBL), Issy Bourne (Southside Melbourne Flyers, WNBL), Abbey Ellis (Townsville Fire, WNBL), Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire, WNBL), Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers, WNBL), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm, WNBA), Jade Melbourne (Canberra Capitals, WNBL), Stephanie Reid (Dongguan New Century, WCBA), Maddi Rocci (Southside Melbourne Flyers, WNBL), Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx, WNBA), Miela Sowah (Townsville Fire, WNBL), Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning, WNBL), Sami Whitcomb (Beşiktaş, Turkish Super League), Alex Wilson (Perth Lynx, WNBL), Courtney Woods (Townsville Fire, WNBL).

Yes, it is a nice squad, with no real risks taken, so in that case, why not just name the likely 14? You know - Aokuso, Atwell, Bibby, Borlase, Bourne, Blicavs, Fowler, George, Magbegor, Melbourne, Reid, Smith, Talbot, Whitcomb. After all, as a former prominent Opal recently said, once you make the team, it's harder to get out than in.