The Australian Opals are set to embark on their Women’s Basketball World Cup journey this weekend in Berlin, aiming to secure their first championship since 2006. Currently, Australia holds the third position in the global rankings, trailing only behind the USA and France.

The Opals will kick off their tournament with a match against Puerto Rico on Friday night, Australian Eastern Standard Time. With a rich history of producing numerous basketball stars, the Opals have maintained a strong presence in one of the most competitive sports worldwide.

Among the prominent players representing Australia is 27-year-old Ezi Magbegor, who has emerged as a key figure for the team. Having made her mark on the international arena as a promising talent at just 18, Magbegor is now recognized for her defensive prowess and leadership skills, which are expected to significantly influence the Opals’ performance in the World Cup.

This season, Magbegor gained attention in the WNBA as one of the highest-paid Australian players, reinforcing her status as one of the wealthiest female athletes in the country. However, her season was marred by an Achilles injury followed by a broken nose, which sidelined her for a significant part of the year while playing for the Seattle Storm.

Reflecting on her injury challenges, Magbegor shared with ABC Sport, “I’ve been fortunate to have minimal injuries in my first seven years in the league. You come to terms with the fact that injuries are part of the game, and it’s about resetting your mindset and preparing for the future.” She noted that the downtime allowed her to focus on physical conditioning and readiness for the upcoming competition.

Additionally, Magbegor took the opportunity to express her cultural identity through her game-day attire, known as ‘tunnel fits,’ which players sport when arriving at venues. She mentioned her desire to incorporate her Nigerian heritage into her outfits, sharing her favorite traditional attire made from fabric her parents brought from Nigeria.

After her recovery, she returned to the court in late July wearing a protective face mask, further enhancing her reputation as one of the league’s top shot blockers. With her fitness and form improving just in time for the World Cup, Magbegor brings valuable experience to the tournament, having previously earned silver in 2018 and bronze in both the Sydney 2022 World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Opals face a significant transition since the Paris Olympics, with key players like Tess Madgen, Lauren Jackson, Cayla George, and Marianna Tolo absent from the current lineup. The loss of captain and point guard Sami Whitcomb, ruled out from the World Cup, places additional emphasis on Magbegor and fellow player Alanna Smith to lead the team.

Magbegor emphasized her role in fostering a connection with younger teammates and leading by example. “It’s important for me to embody the values and expectations of the team,” she explained. “I aim to influence the team positively, whether on or off the court, and I’m focused on playing my best to help us achieve our goals.” Smith, who was recognized as the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year last season, also faced an injury-affected start this year.

Coach Sandy Brondello expressed confidence in both Magbegor and Smith’s readiness to spearhead Australia’s efforts in Berlin. “They are capable of competing with the best post players globally, and we’ll rely on them without adding undue pressure,” Brondello stated. “I’ve been coaching Ezi since she was 18, and this is her moment to shine, fully recovered. She’s not only adept at protecting the rim but has also developed into a versatile scorer. Alanna was our standout player in Paris, consistently performing well throughout the tournament, and it’s encouraging to see her regain her rhythm and confidence.”

The Opals approach this World Cup ranked third in the world, building on their recent success, including a significant win at the Asia Cup last year, achieved without any WNBA players. Despite limited preparation time for this tournament, Brondello highlighted the strong chemistry and culture within the team, which has developed over the years.