Australian basketball prodigy Ezi Magbegor primed to lead Opals' quest for Olympic gold

Australia’s emerging superstar Ezi Magbegor is used to blocking shots, but in the biggest snub in women’s basketball this year it was the coaches of the 12 WNBA teams that ended up blocking hers.

The crucial cog in the Opals’ campaign in Paris – which gets under way with a match against Nigeria on Monday (7pm AEST) – the 24-year-old brings defensive strength and mobility matched by a smooth all-around game.

And when she was named on the shortlist for this year’s WNBA All-Star Game, most expected her to be recognised by the final selection panel of coaches with one of the game’s highest accolades. But the team was announced earlier this month and the Australian wasn’t there.

“I’m going to be honest and say yes, obviously I was a little disappointed,” Magbegor told her local newspaper the Seattle Times two days after finding out. “Maybe more than a little bit.”



https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/29/paris-olympics-2024-australia-basketball-ezi-magbegor-opals-medals