<\/p>\n
Miela Sowah\u2019s impressive form has been rewarded with a late call-up to the Australian Opals squad for the upcoming FIBA Women\u2019s World Cup in Berlin, replacing veteran guard Sami Whitcomb after she was forced to withdraw due to ongoing knee soreness.<\/p>\n
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Whitcomb\u2019s withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday<\/a> after the 38-year-old experienced inflammation in her knee throughout the year, an issue which also saw her miss the early portion of the 2026 WNBA season as a precaution.<\/p>\n Despite doing everything possible to be ready for the World Cup, which tips off on September 4, the decision was ultimately made to prioritise Whitcomb\u2019s long-term health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Sami is understandably disappointed not to be able to represent the Opals at the World Cup, her long-term health has to come first,\u201d Jason Smith, EGM of High Performance, said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur thoughts are with Sami. We know how much representing the Opals means to her, and we recognise the enormous emotional and physical toll this situation has taken,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSami gives so much to this team, and while we are deeply disappointed that she will not be with us at the World Cup, our priority is her wellbeing, health, and long-term future. We will continue to support her in every way we can.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: Australia\u2019s next generation strikes gold as rising stars dominate FIBA Asia Cup<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Whitcomb, who has committed to the Perth Lynx for the upcoming WNBL season, has made 14 appearances for the Phoenix Mercury this season, averaging 4.9 points, 2.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n Her withdrawal left coach Sandy Brondello needing to quickly find a replacement ahead of the September 4-13 tournament, with Sowah getting the call today to complete the 12-player squad.<\/p>\n The Townsville Fire guard has emerged as one of the WNBL\u2019s standout performers and now gets another opportunity in the green and gold after helping Australia win the 2025 FIBA Women\u2019s Asia Cup.<\/p>\n Sowah is also a two-time WNBL champion and is currently part of the Golden State Valkyries\u2019 roster in the WNBA, adding another player with experience in the United States to Brondello\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n For Brondello, Sowah\u2019s ability to score and stretch the floor provides the Opals with another offensive weapon following the loss of Whitcomb.<\/p>\n \u201cMiela gives us another genuine scoring threat and is one of the best shooters in the WNBL,\u201d Brondello said.<\/p>\n \u201cHer ability to stretch the floor, attack close-outs and play with confidence gives us another important offensive weapon.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing in the WNBA environment challenges you defensively and she\u2019s thriving with her decision-making and overall understanding of the game.<\/p>\n