Aokuso rebounds from ACL to Opals
ZITINA Aokuso defied tradition when she made her long-awaited comeback from an ACL tear.
In Townsville Fire coach Shannon Seebohm’s experience, an athlete’s first season back from such a lay-off is well below their standards.
Instead, it was a breakout campaign for Aokuso, one which has thrust her towards an Opals debut.
The 22-year-old big will kickstart her career in Australian colours from September 27 when she and her teammates contest the Asia Cup in Jordan. She will be joined by Fire teammate Lauren Nicholson.
Aokuso missed the entire 2019/20 campaign with Townsville through her ACL injury, but a relentless offseason getting her body on the right track put her in elite class.
Averaging 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and an assist a game in last year’s WNBL North Queensland hub, arguably Aokuso’s finest moments came when confronted by Liz Cambage.
While she and the Fire were never able to defeat the WNBA megastar and her Southside Flyers, not once did she take a backwards step.
Seebohm said Aokuso’s ability to bounce back so quickly from a major injury was a credit to the relationship forged between her and the club.
After the Fire secured her a role as the ambassador of its school programs upon suffering the tear, Aokuso has become part of the fabric of Townsville basketball.
“It’s not easy (coming back from a major injury), and I think history shows a lot of players come back from an ACL and that first season back is a down year,” Seebohm said. “With Zitina, it was the best season she had in her career.
“I think it’s a credit to her. I know she’s been doing as much as she can in Melbourne in preparation. We all know how talented she is and we’ve been able to see it in Townsville for a few years now.
“Coming off an ACL, she had a great season and this will be a springboard for her now to evolve and grow in confidence.
“I think she’ll come back for a career year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for her, and only the beginning.”