Smith expected to fire up for Flames
TOWNSVILLE Flames coach Shannon Seebohm is backing star forward Alanna Smith to bounce back in the NBL1 North playoffs after her shock omission from the Opals team for the FIBA World Cup.
The 25-year-old was a part of the national team at the Tokyo Olympics and also played for the silver-medal winning side at the 2018 World Cup but was not named in coach Sandy Brondello’s 12-woman squad for the tournament which Australia will host later this year.
Smith has starred for the Flames, at the WNBL level for Adelaide, and has also been a regular in the WNBA in recent seasons but somehow missed out on a place in the team, which included 41-year-old returning legend Lauren Jackson.
While Seebohm admitted he was surprised at the Opals decision he backed the young star to put a tough week behind her as the Flames prepare for a do-ordie home quarter-final against the Mackay Meteroettes at 7pm tonight.
“Obviously for Alanna it was quite disappointing to get all the way to the end of the selection process and for whatever reason miss out on the team,” he said.
“She’s a great player and to be honest she’s one of the best players that I’ve ever coached so it was a surprise she wasn’t in that Opals team.
“She’s a pro and I’m sure she’s going to turn up on Saturday night and be ready to have a big game.”
Seebohm was earlier this week named NBL1 North women’s coach of the year while fearless point guard Steph Reid was in the top three for MVP voting and selected in the All-star 5.
“I was really happy for Steph, she’s had a great season and she’s been a big part of why we’ve been able to successful,” Seebohm said.
“It’s been a big week, the girls have had two good practices this week, we practised Thursday night and I was really happy with how they went.
“We’ve played great at home so we definitely feel confident.”