AUSTRALIA’S top female basketballers will be able to still have an impact on the National Basketball League (NBL1) finals series after the league adjusted the 2019 post-season series. Previously the first round of NBL1 Women’s action was scheduled for the weekend of July 26-28, but with the Australian Opals camp running at the same time, the league opted to combine the first and second week of finals over the first weekend of August (August 2-4) to accommodate those players vying for Opals selection ahead of the 2019 FIBA Asia Cup.

“The first two rounds of the women’s finals will now be played across the first weekend in August allowing for the league’s best players to be available for their teams at the most important time of the year,” NBL1 League Manager Dean Anglin said. “The decision to adjust the NBL1 women’s finals schedule enables the players the opportunity to press their case for national selection and ensures their clubs are not disadvantaged as they chase the inaugural Championship.”

The championship game will remain on August 17 with the changes only impacting the women’s finals series. Among the NBL1 players who are in contention for Opals selection and are likely to play NBL1 finals are Rebecca Cole (Dandenong Rangers), Lauren Nicholson (Kilsyth Cobras) and Sara Blicavs (Geelong Supercats).

The Australian Opals camp will take place from July 20-28 in Phoenix, Arizona, and will help determine the team for the 2019 FIBA Asia Cup.