By JARROD POTTER
FATE played its part in a late Australian Opals call-up for Dandenong basketball star Sara Blicavs and she’s ready to seize this chance with the Olympic Games just over the horizon.
The 190cm Rangers’ swingman was a late call-up to the Opals’ 13-person squad for a South American tour after Tess Madgen had to withdraw with severe ankle bruising.
Blicavs, 22, now gets to put her hand up for Olympic selection at a Rio test event this week in Brazil as the Opals face Argentina, Venezuela and Brazil in a frenetic three-day schedule.
Blicavs has been in stunning form this WNBL season, averaging 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds, and once Madgen was ruled out, national coach Brendan Joyce made the call to bring in Blicavs as her replacement.
“I’m very excited – I guess it is quite exciting to know I’m the 13th man and that I’m getting thought of and I’m still in the mix,” Blicavs said.
“I know I was very disappointed after not being named in the team, but you’ve got to take your opportunities.
“Fortunate for me, but unfortunate for (Melbourne Boomers guard) Tess Madgen with her ankle, but I’ve just got to take that and, hopefully, can play some minutes.
The WNBL goes on break this week with the league’s best and brightest off on international duties and Blicavs – ever the optimist – is keen to hit the court in the national colours… and maybe even some the famous beaches of Rio as well.
“The girls get a nice break while I’ll be training and training and playing,” Blicavs said.
“Hopefully, I’ll just be lying on the beach for a little bit – soak up some Brazil sun.”
Blicavs was sensational across last weekend’s double-header, helping Dandenong defeat Adelaide 79-63 away last Friday night, where she picked up 16 points and eight rebounds, and went even better on last Saturday night, taking 16 points, 11 rebounds in a nail-biting 64-61 win over Sydney Uni.
Dandenong will return to the court on Friday 22 January in the battle against the Adelaide Lightning at home before the cross-town showdown on Australia Day eve against Melbourne Boomers at the State Basketball Centre.
