The preparations for the FIBA World Cup are in full flow. Already, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been training together for Team USA. And with all the other teams giving their best efforts to build a strong squad, the Opals, too, are not far behind.
In a recent report, the Opals announced their final roster for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. And while the side has already qualified for the main tournament in Germany, they would still like to take part in the qualifiers for a better overall practice.
Thankfully, scanning through the roster, there was one name that stood out. And that was none other than the star player, Maddy Rocci.
Maddy Rocci Makes A Return After Brutal Injury
Back in July, the WNBL star was all set to join the Opals for the Asia Cup. Unfortunately, just days before the roster announcement, it was revealed that Rocci suffered an injury. Thus, with no other options left, Rocci had to be left out of the roster.
Thankfully, working hard on her fitness, the Southside Melbourne Flyers star has now made a comeback. Alongside popular names like Alana Smith and Ezi Magbegor, Rocci, too, will be trying to regain her form at the World Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, looking at the roster, the Opals’ coach, Sandy Brondello, seemed quite excited. “Availability is hugely important and honestly, a luxury we don’t often have in the international space. Having full access to the talent pool gives us real clarity and confidence,” said Brondello.
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Maddy Rocci inhttps://t.co/eKhb9lVKXo
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“It allows the staff and I to evaluate the group together, accelerate connection and trust, test roles and versatility, and ultimately strengthen the foundation we’re building toward the FIBA Women’s World Cup,” she further added.
Surely, Rocci’s inclusion on the side will definitely strengthen the squad significantly. Meanwhile, coming to the team for the first time, Team USA star Angel Reese made her intentions clear about playing alongside her rivals.
Angel Reese Shares Her Experience In Team USA Camp Ahead Of FIBA
Reese will be playing alongside the likes of Clark, Paige Bueckers, and others in Team USA. Interestingly, both Clark and Bueckers are WNBA rivals of Reese. However, adjusting to them was not a problem for Reese.
“You want to be surrounded [by] and play with the best, to be the best, you got to play with the best, and you’ve got to beat the best… I’m not going to take this moment for granted. I’m so thankful because a lot of people don’t have this moment. So, I try to take a lot og things from other people, like communications, even just ball handling,” Reese Told USA Basketball.
The best basketball gym to be in. Welcome to the 🇺🇸 #USABWNT, @Reese10Angel! pic.twitter.com/6aTBy8fvhc
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) December 15, 2025
Thus, with the FIBA World Cup continuing to draw excitement, fans cannot wait to see what happens next.