Rising Canberra Capitals star Jade Melbourne the youngest Opal in World Cup squad

The 19-year-old Canberra Capitals prospect has been named in a 24-player Opals squad on the road to the FIBA World Cup in Sydney in September 2022.

Melbourne is the only Capitals representative in a squad which will build towards the World Cup with international duties in Serbia beginning on February 10.

"I'm excited to be named in a squad with such exceptional talented players, I have no expectations other than to give it everything and hopefully gain a spot in Sydney," Melbourne said.

Former Capitals champion Marianna Tolo features in a squad missing Liz Cambage, who claims she has no interest in playing for the Opals again.

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Opals coach Sandy Brondello can add more players to the squad if she sees fit over the coming months, leaving the door ajar for other Capitals to force their way in.

The WNBL will break for an international window in February when the Opals head to Serbia for the World Cup qualifying tournament, with the Australians to take part despite being automatic qualifiers as tournament hosts.

The USA is the other automatic qualifier, entering the World Cup as the reigning Olympic Games gold medal winners.

"I am really excited about the talent we have in Australian basketball and the squad that we as coaches have put together for 2022 is a great mix of experience and youth," Brondello said.

"I was particularly excited by some of the performances from the younger players in the Asia Cup post the Olympics who were given a taste of international basketball and there will be opportunities for those who work hard and make the most of their opportunities throughout the upcoming WNBL competition.

"I remember like yesterday how special it was to play in a World Cup on home soil. We look forward to having the same support as we had in 1994 to help us get back on the podium.

"Our goal over the next 300 days is to continue to grow, develop and be better as individuals and as group so we can achieve this goal."

Opals squad: Rebecca Allen, Zitina Aokuso, Sara Blicavs, Rebecca Cole, Keely Froling, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Shyla Heal, Tessa Lavey, Eziyoda Magbegor, Tess Madgen, Jade Melbourne, Leilani Mitchell, Lauren Nicholson, Jenna O'Hea, Maddison Rocci, Lauren Scherf, Alex Sharp, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace, Abbey Wehrung, Sami Whitcomb.

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