Impressive form in the Polish league and on her return to Australia has earned Hoop City Geelong United Supercat Chantel Horvat a spot in the Opals squad for next month’s Asia Cup.
Horvat, who represented Australia at the underage level and was a member of the Geelong Supercats squad that claimed the SEABL championship in 2017, is among six potential senior debutants named in the 19-strong squad for the week-long tournament in Sydney, which acts as a qualifier for next year’s Paris Olympics.
After a five-year stint with US College UCLA, the 24-year-old was invited to train with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks in the first half of 2022.
Horvat’s first professional contract was in Poland over the Australian summer, where she averaged 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 28 league appearances for Gorzow.
Gorzow also featured in the EuroCup, with her ten outings yielding 12.5 points and 4.4 rebounds.
Since joining the Geelong United roster in Round 5, Horvat has averaged 18.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists, coinciding with a 5-0 run by Matthew Paton’s roster.
“For Chantel to be rated amongst the best-emerging basketball talent in Australia is a wonderful reward for her and a nice nod to our club as a pathway,” Paton said.
“It is fantastic to see a Geelong product being considered for senior National Team honours.”
“Chantel’s been a fantastic addition to our roster since returning from Poland, and her versatility is a great tool in the international game.”
If Horvat is selected in the final squad, she could cross paths with fellow Geelong United squad member Monica Okoye, who is currently in camp with the Japanese National Team.
Australia and Japan have been placed in Group B with the Philippines and Chinese Taipei for the tournament, which commences on June 26.
Former Supercats Alex Bunton and Maddi Rocci have also been selected in the Opals squad.
To next see Chantel in action for the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats, book your tickets for our Read The Play Game Night against Knox Raiders on June 3 here.
