Another Opal joins Miners

A SECOND national player has joined the Ballarat Miners Women for the upcoming Coles Express NBL1 South season.

Zitina Aokuso joined the squad last week after finishing her WNBL season with the Townsville Fire.

The 190-centimetre-tall power forward said she couldn’t wait to get started, reuniting with head coach David Herbert who coached her at the Melbourne Tigers in the 2021 NBL1 South season.

“I signed with the Miners because I enjoy being coached by Herbie and I believe he can get the best out of me,” she said.

“I am excited to play in front of the Miners home fans, I hope to bring a strong presence on the court and to help build a good culture that will make us a successful team.”

Aokuso was a part of the bronze winning 2021 Asia Cup Opals squad and averaged eight points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes for the Fire this season.

Head coach Herbert said he can’t wait to see what Aokuso brings to the court for the Miners.

“Zitina is arriving in Ballarat on a mission to increase her conditioning, fundamental skill base and make a push for Opal’s selection,” Herbert said.

“She has always shown athletic potential with an ability to dunk the ball.

“She has arrived here from a season with Townsville in the WNBL with a rejuvenated mindset having worked closely with Brent Gorriss, and I cannot wait to see her game reach new heights.

“We are putting the NBL1 South on notice that Zitina has arrived.”

The Miners tip off their season against the Geelong Supercats at Selkirk Stadium on Saturday, 23 April.