Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Sitaya Fagan has received her first Opals call up after being named in Australia squad for the upcoming two game series against China in Melbourne. The 18 year old rising star headlines a squad featuring two debutants as coach Sandy Brondello continues preparations for the FIBA Womens Basketball World Cup in Germany later this year.
The July series at John Cain Arena will serve as a key selection opportunity as Australia works toward finalising its roster for the World Cup, which begins in September.
Fagan rewarded after rapid rise
Fagan has been regarded as one of Australia most exciting basketball prospects for several years.
The teenage forward attracted international attention in 2025 when she reportedly received 27 scholarship offers from leading United States college basketball programs, the most received by an Australian female player.
She is preparing for her first season with the University of Southern California but will now have the opportunity to impress at senior international level before beginning her college career.
Brondello decision to include Fagan reflects both her potential and the desire to assess emerging talent ahead of the World Cup.
The China series provides an ideal platform for the teenager to gain experience against elite opposition.
Bonnie Deas also earns maiden selection
Fagan is joined by Bonnie Deas as the second debutant in the squad.
The former Sydney Flames player earned recognition following an impressive college season with the University of Arkansas.
Deas has continued to develop her game in the United States and now receives the opportunity to compete for a place in Australia World Cup plans.
Her selection highlights the depth of talent emerging through Australian basketball pathways and college programs.
With World Cup spots still available, strong performances against China could significantly strengthen her chances of making the final roster.
World Cup preparations intensify
Australia enters the series with one eye firmly on September tournament action.
China represents a valuable benchmark given its status as World Cup silver medallist and one of the strongest teams in international basketball.
The Opals will use the series to evaluate combinations and assess players competing for final selection.
Brondello faces a challenging task balancing experienced campaigners with emerging talent as Australia aims to contend for medals on the world stage.
The matches against China are expected to provide important insight into the squad readiness ahead of the tournament.
Several experienced players return
While many WNBA based stars are unavailable, Australia still includes a number of experienced internationals.
Cayla George, Chloe Bibby, Steph Reid and Zitina Aokuso are the only players from the squad that swept through World Cup qualifiers in March who will feature in July.
Veteran forward Darcee Garbin also returns to national team duties for the first time in two years following the birth of her daughter.
Her experience could prove valuable as Australia blends youth and leadership throughout the series.
Meanwhile, Ally Wilson, Alex Fowler and Maddy Rocci have all been selected after recent departures from their respective WNBA organisations.
The squad announcement also confirmed that veteran forward Sara Blicavs was not included despite being part of the larger preliminary group for the qualification campaign earlier this year.
Opals squad for China series
The Opals squad selected for the China series is:
Zitina Aokuso
Amy Atwell
Chloe Bibby
Isabelle Bourne
Bonnie Deas
Abbey Ellis
Sitaya Fagan
Alex Fowler
Alicia Froling
Darcee Garbin
Cayla George
Steph Reid
Maddy Rocci
Ally Wilson
Courtney Woods
With World Cup selection approaching, every player will have a significant opportunity to strengthen their case when Australia faces China in Melbourne next month.