Incoming Canberra Capitals star Leilani Mitchell has made the gut-wrenching decision to withdraw from Australia's World Cup campaign in a bid to be fit for WNBL tip-off on October 12.
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Mitchell has been restricted with a lower limb injury in the latter stages of the WNBA season and opted to withdraw from the Opals squad less than two weeks out from the tournament opener in Spain.
The decision is a double-edged sword for the Capitals, who will be devastated for Mitchell but boosted by her return to full fitness ahead of their clash with the Sydney Flames next month.
The 33-year-old made the decision in consultation with the Phoenix Mercury, paving the way for Sami Whitcomb to earn an Opals call-up from coach Sandy Brondello.
"Australia is my home and to now be a part of this amazing Opals team is beyond a dream. You work your whole life for these opportunities, so Sandy’s call was pretty emotional for me," Whitcomb said.
"The first thing I did was call my wife who was sleeping in Australia and share the news with her. Then it felt real. I can’t wait to put on that singlet and compete for Australia."
OPALS WORLD CUP FIXTURE
September 22: Australia vs. Nigeria at 8.30pm
September 23: Australia vs. Argentina at 8.00pm
September 25: Australia vs. Turkey at 8.30pm
September 26: Quarter-Final Qualifications
September 28: Quarter-Finals
September 29: Semi-Finals
September 30: Medal Games
CANBERRA CAPITALS WNBL DRAW
Round 1: Friday, October 12 - Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Sydney Uni Sports Centre, 7pm.
Round 2: Friday, October 19 - Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at Geelong Arena, 7.30pm
Round 2: Sunday, October 21 - Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at National Convention Centre, 2pm.
Round 3: Friday, October 26 - Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers at AIS Arena, 7pm.
Round 4: Sunday, November 4 - Canberra Capitals v Sydney Flames at National Convention Centre, 2pm.
Round 5: Saturday, November 10 - Perth Lynx v Canberra Capitals at Bendat Basketball Centre, 12pm.
Round 6: Sunday, November 18 - Canberra Capitals v Dandenong Rangers at National Convention Centre, 2pm.
Round 7: Friday, November 23 - Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers at National Convention Centre, 7pm.
Round 8: Friday, November 30 - Perth Lynx v Canberra Capitals at Bendat Basketball Centre, 6.30pm.
Round 8: Sunday, December 2 - Adelaide Lightning v Canberra Capitals at Adelaide Arena, 3pm.
Round 9: Sunday, December 9 - Canberra Capitals v Bendigo Spirit at National Convention Centre, 2pm.
Round 10: Friday, December 14 - Adelaide Lightning v Canberra Capitals at Adelaide Arena, 7pm.
Round 10: Sunday, December 16 - Canberra Capitals v Perth Lynx at National Convention Centre, 5pm.
Round 11: Friday, December 21 - Canberra Capitals v Dandenong Rangers at National Convention Centre, 7pm.
Round 11: Sunday, December 23 - Townsville Fire v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Arena, 3pm.
Round 12: Friday, December 28 - Canberra Capitals v Townsville Fire at National Convention Centre, 7pm.
Round 12: Sunday, December 30 - Dandenong Rangers v Canberra Capitals at Dandenong Stadium, 3pm.
Round 13: Friday, January 4 - Canberra Capitals v Bendigo Spirit at AIS Arena, 7pm.
Round 14: Friday, January 11 - Townsville Fire v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 7pm.
Round 14: Sunday, January 13 - Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Sydney Olympic Park, 12.30pm.
Round 15: Saturday, January 19 - Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals at Bendigo Stadium, 3pm.
