Star Bellarine junior Agnes Emma-Nnopu is off to the FIBA under 17 world cup. Emma-Nnopu was selected as part of a twelve player Australian roster to compete at junior basketball’s pinnacle event in Minsk, Belarus from July 21st to 29th. The selection adds another feat to an already impressive resume for Emma-Nnopu having won a gold medal at the under 16 Asian championships with the national team, gold and bronze medals at the Australian under 18 championships with Victoria Country and earning a scholarship to the Australian Institute of sport in the past 18 months.
Agnes and the Sapphires have a significant task in front of them as they head to the tournament as the defending world champions after the 2016 team defeated Italy in the championship game. Speaking to Basketball Australia head coach Shannon Seebohm has strong belief in his group’s ability to replicate the success of the team’s predecessors. “This group has some great versatility, will be able to match-up against any team we meet at the World Cup and also has the ability to play a similar style that won us the gold medal two years ago,” said Sapphires coach Shannon Seebohm.
For Emma-Nnopu the world cup will be another chance to display her talents on the world stage. Another significant achievement for a humble girl from the Bellarine Peninsula. The Sapphires open their campaign against Angola on July 22nd and will also play Latvia and Canada in the group stage before reaching the knockout rounds.
For the full team list click HERE