Three Victorian Opals have continued their Olympic celebrations by earning prestigious tournament honours after their bronze medal success in Paris. Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor, and Jade Melbourne were recognised for their outstanding performances and significant contributions to Australia's Olympic campaign.
Alanna Smith Shines in All-Star Five
Alanna Smith delivered career-best performances throughout the pool games in Lille and the finals in Paris, averaging 11.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Her exceptional form earned her a place in the All-Star Five, a testament to her role in the Opals' success.
Smith first represented the Opals in 2017 and was part of the Tokyo Olympic team. A local Melbourne basketballer, she has had a successful college career in America and played in the WNBA for the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury. Back in Australia she has most recently played in the WNBL for the Adelaide Lightning and was part of the championship-winning Townsville team in the NBL1 North in 2022.
Ezi Magbegor Dominates in All-Second Team
Ezi Magbegor was selected for the All-Second team following her standout performances, averaging 11.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. She really stood up in the bronze medal game, where she achieved a remarkable 30-point, 13-rebound double-double. Magbegor's dominance on the court was crucial to Australia's podium finish.
She also represents the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, has strong Victorian roots, having been raised in Melbourne's West and representing the Coburg Giants in her junior years. Despite being only 25, Magbegor's talent and potential have been evident since she burst onto the scene with the Under-17 Sapphires, where she won a gold medal and MVP honours. Magbegor continues to make her mark, having brought a championship to the Melbourne Boomers in the 2021-2022 season.
Jade Melbourne: Rising Star of the Women's Tournament
Traralgon local Jade Melbourne was awarded the Rising Star of the women's tournament. Averaging 7.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, Melbourne's best performance came against Serbia in the quarter finals, where she delivered a match-winning display with 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. Celebrating an early 22nd birthday with this accolade, Melbourne's rise is a testament to Victoria's development programs. She will return to the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, highlighting the best of Victorian talent on the global stage. Jade Melbourne's early recognition as the Rising Star at the Olympic Games highlights her impressive development, she started her basketball journey with the Traralgon Thunderbirds before playing for UC Capitals in Canberra. She will now return to the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, further solidifying her status as a rising star.
The remarkable achievements of Smith, Magbegor, and Melbourne shows the depth of talent in Victorian basketball – congratulations!
