Isabelle Bourne has been parachuted into the Opals' FIBA Women's World Cup squad in place of veteran star Cayla George after the 37-year-old announced her pregnancy.
George revealed earlier in July that she is expecting her second child, leaving a massive hole in the Australians' roster ahead of the World Cup, which begins in September in Germany.
Coach Sandy Brondello opted to thrust the 25-year-old Bourne into the squad after a strong campaign alongside George with the Southside Melbourne Flyers last season, when she cemented herself as one of the WNBL's rising stars, averaging 16 points per game.
She will partner Adelaide Lightning's Zitina Aokuso, with the pair already dazzling for the Australians, most recently in their series sweep against China in July.
Star guard Sami Whitcomb will captain the team full of WNBA talent including Alanna Smith (Dallas), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle), Jade Melbourne (Seattle), Isobel Borlase (Atlanta) and Steph Talbot (Las Vegas).
Tasmania Jewels marquee import Steph Reid has also been called up after playing a major role in last year's gold medal Asia Cup campaign alongside Ally Wilson, after she helped Perth Lynx to the WNBL grand final last season and earned a spot on the All-WNBL First Team.
Forwards Chloe Bibby and Alex Fowler round out the 12-player roster.
"I'm very confident in this group. We have a great mix of experience, talent and chemistry," Brondello said.
"While our preparation is short with this full group, we trust the work we've done over the past few years, we believe in each other, and now it's about being at our best when it matters most. If we play to our identity, we know we can compete with anyone."
"We weren't just looking at talent - we were looking for players who fit our style of play, embrace what it means to represent Australia, and put the team first."
Guard Maddy Rocci and Sara Blicavs are the only players in the Asia Cup squad not to get the nod for the World Cup, while WNBL grand final MVP Courtney Woods also misses out.
The team will only have three days together before the World Cup, where they are looking to claim their first gold medal in the major tournament since 2006 after finishing third in the 2022 edition in Sydney.
It won't be an easy task to achieve that feat as they face Puerto Rico, Turkey and Belgium in what will be a rematch from the Paris Olympics bronze medal game.
OPALS SQUAD FOR THE FIBA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP:
Zitina Aokuso, Chloe Bibby, Isobel Borlase, Isabelle Bourne, Alex Fowler, Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Steph Reid, Alanna Smith, Steph Talbot, Sami Whitcomb, Ally Wilson
