Opals star Marianna Tolo backs Canberra Capitals teammate Keely Froling for Olympics

The 23-year-old has firmed as a likely inclusion for Australia's three-on-three squad at next year's Olympic Games - but Tolo thinks the prospect of an Opals debut is not as crazy as Froling might think.

Froling was named the NSW Waratah League's most valuable player this week following a staggering run of form that saw her put up remarkable numbers.

She has a chance to add to her WNBL ring having led the Canberra Nationals to a 71-59 semi-final victory against the Norths Bears at Breakers Stadium on Saturday.

It puts Froling and the Nationals on a collision course with the Newcastle Hunters in the grand final on Sunday.

The gulf between the state competition and the Olympic Games is huge but the 23-year-old is quickly emerging as one of the premier young talents in Australian basketball.

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Tolo believes Froling's rise to prominence at the Capitals is a testament to that.

"I really hope she gets to push for that national team spot too, because I think that is the next step she would want to take in the national women's team," Tolo said.

"It would be hard, because she is still young and there is a lot of players in that position.

"But I think she can get there is she keeps continuing the way she is."

Tolo has long been a staple in the Opals side and has been named in the Australian squad for next month's Asia Cup as she bounces back from minor foot surgery.

It is a stage Froling is desperate to play on - and she is no stranger to the green and gold having helped the Emerging Opals to a Uni Games gold medal weeks after turning out for the national three-on-three side.

The chance to dominate a competition was just what Froling was after having played a key role off the bench in the Capitals' charge to the WNBL championship this past summer.

Froling posted 18 points during the Waratah League semi-final with Capitals youngster Abby Cubillo close behind with 16 of her own to help the Nationals to the decider.

Tolo believes Froling is only beginning to scratch the surface of her potential as the Capitals prepare to link up again for pre-season training in the coming weeks.

"It's really awesome to see, I'm really proud of her. It speaks to the fact she plays her role so well for the Capitals," Tolo said.

"Last year she was behind Kia [Nurse] and behind Kelsey [Griffin], they are two really quality players. When she gets the chance to play, she just takes it and flourishes. She has done so well.

"That speaks volumes of the ability she has had to practice against some of the best players in Australia as well. She is doing so well and I'm so excited for her."