Launceston Tornadoes captain Lauren Mansfield is heading to FIBA’s World Cup.
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The 28-year-old guard was one of 12 players named in the Australian Opals squad for the tournament from September 22-30 in Spain.
Mansfield only returned from a training camp with the national team last week.
She had spent nearly a fortnight away in Canberra and was forced to miss the Tornadoes’ preliminary final win over Nunawading.
The point guard returned in time for the side’s SEABL grand final appearance.
Launceston went down to Bendigo in the championship match by 23 points.
Mansfield will continue in Australian colours after playing three matches at a four-nation tournament in China for the Opals in July.
She debuted for her country 12 months ago – in the absence of its WNBA stars – winning a silver medal at the Asia Cup. But missed out on a gold medal at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Former Tornadoes centre Liz Cambage is one of three American-based players and one of five Opals to return since the Rio Olympics.
Australia will face Nigeria, Argentina and Turkey in its opening pool matches.