Speedy Fire centre backed to step up
TOWNSVILLE Fire coach Claudia Brassard has challenged Zitina Aokuso to make her mark on the WNBL after leading the way for the defending champions during the preseason.
The athletic centre showed glimpses of her immense talent off the bench as a rookie and she has already taken her game to another level as the Fire chase their fourth title in five years.
Aokuso has proven herself as the fastest player in the squad this season after she blitzed the Fire’s fitness testing with the best 20m sprint, shuttle run and vertical leap results.
And Brassard feels the 19year- old has an excellent opportunity to back that up on the court as she deputises for retiring legend Suzy Batkovic.
“We expect more out of her this season,” Brassard said.
“She showed during our fitness testing that she’s the fastest player on the team so every time she’s on that floor we want her to make sure she’s running lanes and having players chase her up and down the court.
“I think she’s just more mature, more confident, and she came in fitter. We can tell right away at training the level’s been a lot higher from her and it’s really pleasing to see that.”
Brassard has also given Aokuso the green light to unleash her unique aerial skills as she looks to become the first player in WNBL history to dunk.
Aokuso became an internet sensation in 2016 when footage emerged of her dunking at the AIS and the 192cm centre hoped playing longer minutes would mean more chances to try it in a game.
“It’s still a goal I want to achieve in the WNBL. If I get the opportunity I will definitely try my best to get it,” Aokuso said.
“Last season I struggled a bit but I went away and I worked on my fitness. I knew what I had to do to be at this level and I’ve worked really hard in the off- season.
“I’m much more confident this time coming in. I’ve learnt from last season.”
The Fire will play their final practice match against the Townsville Heat under- 23 men’s team on Sunday afternoon, with Opals star Tess Madgen set to take the floor in her first hitout for the club.
Fellow new recruits Casey Samuels and Ally Malott will also be in action, but Stella Beck won’t be available as she manages a stress fracture in her foot.
Brassard said it was unfortunate timing for the former St Mary’s College standout and described Beck as “touch and go” for next weekend’s season opener against Dandenong in Townsville.
“We’re going to try to load her a little bit this week and if that goes well she might be ready to go by round one,” Brassard said.
The Fire will play the Heat from 3pm at the Townsville Basketball Stadium. Entry is free for members and fans.