Final thoughts on the Opals' Asia Cup campaign

A week ago, the Opals claimed bronze at the Asia Cup. There were key lessons learnt, and questions to be answered.

Credit: May Bailey Photography

The Australian Opals claimed bronze a week ago at the Asia Cup in Sydney and ultimately achieved their goal of keeping their chances of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics alive.

The Opals are one of 16 countries that have moved onto the next stage of Olympic qualifying. From here, the remaining 16 will be cut down to the final 12 nations at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, which are to be held in February next year.

Before we move onto that next stage for the Opals, let’s reflect on what has been an up and down Asia Cup campaign.

Judging Opals’ chances in Paris on this squad is unfair

People believe the Opals coming away with a bronze at the Asia Cup is a failure. I can’t comprehend this thinking, given the squad assembled.

Let’s not beat around the bush; this Asia Cup Opals squad will barely resemble the squad that steps onto the court in Paris, if the Opals do in fact qualify. That’s not a shot at those who were in the Asia Cup squad (plenty of players definitely put their best foot forward for Paris selection), but it’s all about those who weren’t there.