By Nick Creely
Star Dandenong Rangers’ players Amelia Todhunter and new recruit Carley Mijovic have been named in the Australian squad for the upcoming FIBA 3×3 World Championships.
The tournament, which will be held in France from 17 June to 21 June, will feature a further two WNBL players – Nadeen Payne (Bendigo) and Rebecca Cole (Melbourne Boomers).
“The competition will be fierce but we know these players will equip themselves well in a format of the game that is gaining momentum as a high-performance pathway,” said Jan Stirling, General Manager of High Performance.
“The selection process involved nominations from all WNBL club head coaches before a panel of current WNBL coaches with input from former Opals coach Carrie Graf identified the team.”
Todhunter, 28, a defensive specialist, rose in the WNBL ranks last season with arguably her finest season, showing great tenacity around the court.
Todhunter was a critical member of Larissa Anderson’s runners-up team, and is one of the rising stars of women’s basketball.
Mijovic, 22, who has been around the WNBL courts for seven years with the Rangers, Canberra Capitals, Adelaide Lightning and then finally back to the Rangers, will add vital experience to the squad.
The Australians are currently ranked 19th in the world rankings, and will be hoping to finish higher than their quarter finals finish last year.
The Australian 3×3 Open Women’s World Championship Schedule (all times AEST):
18 June: Australia v Ukraine at 1.20am
18 June: Australia v China at 2.50am
20 June: Australia v Japan at 2am
20 June: Australia v Netherlands at 4.50am
21 and 22 June: Quarter Finals (10.50pm) – Gold Medal Game (5am)
