Sara heads to Serbia for World Cup Qualifiers

GEELONG Supercat and Tokyo Olympian Sara Blicavs will suit up next to 11 of Australia’s best basketballers in the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament in Serbia from February 10 to 13.

Following the two-day camp in Sydney, Blicavs continued her run as an Australian Opal as head coach Sandy Brondello cut the squad of 16 down to 12.

“I’m happy to have been selected especially as this is a worlds year,” Blicavs said.

“I’m excited to play some games with the team as every day we spend with each other is better preparation for the world champs.

“We play Serbia obviously in Serbia and I’m really looking forward to that game for the atmosphere and the crowd.”

Returning to the Opals uniform, Blicavs will reunite with fellow Olympians Tess Madgen, Bec Allen, Steph Talbot, Alanna Smith, Cayla George, Ezi Magbegor and Marianna Tolo will don the green and gold once again.

Prior to the camp, Blicavs mentioned that a selection to the Opals squad to participate in Belgrade would provide the perfect opportunity to get some consistent play on the court.

This comes because of an ongoing back injury and separate stints of COVID-19 protocols, which has seen her play all but nine games over the past year.

Blicavs has taken the court just five times this season for WNBL side Southside Flyers since the start of December but has averaged 16 points per game and six-and-a-half rebounds, while shooting a miraculous 46 per cent from the field.

This included an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in her most recent game against the Sydney Uni Flames on January 30, creating some good form heading to the selection camp just a day after.

The FIBA Qualifying Tournament Schedule sees Australia face Brazil on February 10, Serbia on February 12 and Korea on February 13.

As the host nation of the FIBA Women’s World Cup this September, the Opals have automatically qualified for the event.