The chance to test herself against the brightest prospects on the globe looms as a major boost in Maddison Rocci's bid to develop into one of the WNBL's elite guards.
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Rocci joins Canberra Capitals teammate Keely Froling in an Emerging Opals side hunting World Uni Games gold against the USA in Italy on Thursday morning [AEST].
It comes after Froling put up 18 points, three assists, and two steals in a 56-49 semi-final win over Portugal to set up Australia's tilt at defending their gold medal from 2017.
Capitals coach Paul Goriss says the chance to shine on the world stage is vital for Rocci as the WNBL's reigning champions prepare for life after Leilani Mitchell and Kelly Wilson.
"With Kelly not coming back in, there's going to be more minutes for Maddy back here," Goriss said.
"It's really important for her off-season, to keep putting that work in.
"Just to get on that world stage, playing at a high level is definitely going to enhance them being able to come back. Getting international exposure at World Uni Games is important for those two."
Froling's bid for her second Summer Universiade gold medal will cap off a huge off-season for the 23-year-old after she represented Australia in the FIBA three-on-three World Cup.
When she isn't pulling on a green and gold jersey, Froling has been lighting up the Waratah League for the Canberra Nationals - averaging a tick over 24 points and 15 rebounds per game.
"She has been a back-up to Kia [Nurse] and Kelsey [Griffin] this season in the WNBL," Goriss said.
"So [playing in the Waratah League for Canberra] gives her the opportunity to go out and enjoy playing, and also take in what she has learnt playing behind Kelsey in the WNBL.
"Keely is a hard worker and just getting better and better. I think she is just starting to touch the ceiling of where she can be as a WNBL player."
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
