Sami Whitcomb withdraws from Opals World Cup squad

Australia's national women's basketball team, the Opals, will be without captain Sami Whitcomb for the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Whitcomb, 38, has withdrawn from the squad due to persistent knee inflammation, a precautionary measure following her recent participation in the WNBA.

Miela Sowah, a 26-year-old guard currently with the Golden State Valkyries, has been called up to replace Whitcomb. Opals coach Sandy Brondello noted that Sowah provides a significant scoring threat and offensive weapon, citing her ability to stretch the floor and her recent growth in the WNBA environment.

The loss of Whitcomb, alongside the absence of veteran Cayla George due to pregnancy, represents a significant blow to the team's leadership and experience as they seek their first World Cup title since 2006. The Opals are scheduled to begin their tournament against Puerto Rico on September 4.