Fire pair set their sights on Asia Cup

A SETBACK could be exactly what Lauren Nicholson needed to cement herself in the Australian set-up.

But it is the chance for a Townsville teammate to impress on the international stage that has the WNBL star so eager for the FIBA Asia Cup to start.

Nicholson was perhaps one of the most unfortunate casualties of the Opals’ Olympics squad, missing out on a ticket to Tokyo despite an emphatic campaign in the North Queensland hub last year.

Now she gets her shot to prove she belongs in the green and gold long term, having made the cut for the travelling squad. And she will do so with Zitina Aokuso by her side.

The 22-year-old centreforward had a breakthrough season for the Fire in 2021, making her anticipated comeback from an ACL injury to help guide Townsville into the grand final.

While her 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists a game were crucial in the side’s charge to the decider, the nature in which she took on the likes of WNBA superstar Liz Cambage showcased a competitive drive that is tailor-made for basketball’s biggest stage.

The pair will fly out for Jordan on September 23, before the competition gets under way on the 27th.

Nicholson said she had moved beyond the disappointment of missing selection for the Olympic Games, and was instead focused on how to turn it into a positive.

As for Aokuso, the star point guard said the emerging prospect was ready to own the game’s grandest arena.

“Z’s an awesome player, she’s got a lot of potential and I think she is ready,” Nicholson said.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity for her to showcase what she can do and I think this season she’ll be able to show that even more.

“It was a hard time (for me). Missing out on any team selection is always a little bit rough, but it’s a process and it’s all part of the journey. A little setback is probably just what I needed, and now I’m focused on looking forward into the Asia Cup and the WNBL season.”